Over 1,500 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, taking advantage of widespread unrest sparked by disputed presidential election results.
The mass breakout occurred on Wednesday as protesters clashed with prison guards, providing an opening for the inmates to tear down a section of the prison wall, police said.
Police chief Bernardino Rafael confirmed that 33 people, including guards and prisoners, were killed, and 15 others were injured during the chaos. Authorities have since recaptured about 150 of the escapees, while efforts continue to track down the remaining fugitives.
So over 6,000 prisoners have escaped from a maximum security prison in Maputo, Mozambique.🚨🚨
They outnumbered & overpowered the prison guards then seized their AK-47 rifles.
South Africa is in trouble, the whole border needs serious security.👮👮🏾♂️
SANDF should be deployed to… pic.twitter.com/wTYxTM3B2m
— Unruly Universal ♞ (@uuniversalmusic) December 26, 2024
The breakout coincides with escalating protests across the country following the constitutional court’s confirmation of President Daniel Chapo’s controversial election victory. The court revised Chapo’s win to 65% of the vote, down from the initial 71%, against opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane’s 24%. The ruling has deepened political tensions, with opposition supporters accusing the government of electoral fraud.
Since Monday, Mozambique has descended into turmoil, with major cities, including Maputo, witnessing violent demonstrations. Frelimo party offices, police stations, and businesses have been set ablaze, while widespread looting and vandalism have paralyzed daily life. By Christmas Eve, Maputo had become eerily quiet, with most businesses closed and residents staying home to avoid violence.
The protests have claimed at least 21 lives this week, according to the interior minister, while the overall death toll from three months of unrest stands at around 150. Mondlane, who has fled Mozambique, has urged his supporters to continue demonstrating, warning of a “popular uprising” if the election results are not overturned.
