At least 1,534 inmates escaped from a prison near Mozambique’s capital on Wednesday in a deliberate election-related act, according to local media.
Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael warned of a significant increase in crime in the next 48 hours. He also reported the capture of only 150 of the escaped prisoners.
The escape took place around 1:00 p.m. local time at Maputo Central Prison in Matola, located about 9 miles from the capital. The prison was also holding 29 “highly dangerous” terrorists who were among those released during the escape.
Noisy protesters demanded the release of a number of inmates, causing riots inside the prison. This led to the collapse of a wall and allowed them to escape despite clashes with prison guards. The clash left 33 prisoners dead and 15 injured.
Rafael called on the fugitives to surrender voluntarily and urged the public to provide information on their whereabouts. Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Centre for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, also asked the public “to cooperate to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that led to this situation.”
Over 2,500 detainees have escaped from high-security prisons, including Maputo Central Prison. This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the state of security and the justice system in Mozambique.
The prison escape came amid continued protests following Monday’s announcement by the Constitutional Court. It confirmed that Daniel Chapo of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) won the 9 October election.
Chapo won with 71 per cent of the vote, defeating main opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who received 20 per cent.
