Jailbreak amid Mozambique protests sees 1,500 prisoners escape, 33 killed | Prison News

There has been a disturbance that is suspected to exist inside the prison in the capital Maputo, some officials deny that this incident is related to the post-election riots.

A suspected riot inside a prison in the Mozambican capital has left at least 33 people dead and 15 injured, and more than 1,500 inmates escaped, authorities said.

Police Commander Bernardino Rafael said on Wednesday that 150 prisoners who escaped from a prison in Maputo have been recaptured.

Mozambique is facing civil unrest linked to the October elections, which extended the reign of the long-time ruling party Frelimo. Opposition parties and their supporters claim that the votes were rigged.

While Rafael blamed protests outside the prison for instigating the riots, Justice Minister Helena Kida told local private broadcaster Miramar TV that the riots started inside the prison and had nothing to do with the protests outside.

“The conflicts after that led to the death of 33 people and the injury of 15 people near the prison,” said Rafael in a press conference.

The details of the dead and injured were not yet clear.

A report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) said that the prisoners overcame the guards and took AK-47 rifles, allowing them to escape from the prison.

Mozambican journalist Clemente Carlos told the SABC that the attackers may have taken advantage of the Christmas holiday period, when there were fewer security guards on duty compared to normal working days.

“This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the security situation and the justice system in Mozambique,” Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, wrote in X on Wednesday.

“Now, more than ever, it is important that authorities, civil society, and international partners work together to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that have led to this situation.”

Meanwhile, at least 21 people, including two policemen, have been confirmed dead in two days of violence over the election results on Monday and Tuesday, including attacks on petrol stations, police stations and banks.

The incidents brought the death toll to 151 since October 21, according to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group.