MAPUTO, Mozambique. (AP) — At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique’s capital on Christmas Day following a violent rebellion, the country’s police chief announced, as widespread post-election riots and violence continue to grip the nation.
Thirty-three prisoners died and 15 others were injured during clashes with security forces, according to Police Chief Bernardino Rafael.
The mass escape occurred amidst violent protests that have seen police cars, stations, and public infrastructure destroyed following the Constitutional Council’s confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in the October 9th elections.
The chaos unfolded at Maputo Central Prison, located 14 kilometers southwest of the capital, around midday on Wednesday. “Agitation” by a “group of subversive protesters” in the vicinity triggered the incident. Prisoners within the facility then seized weapons from prison guards and began freeing other detainees.
“A concerning fact is that 29 convicted terrorists were among those released. This is a significant worry for the country, for Mozambicans, and for members of the defense and security forces,” stated Rafael.
Rafael explained that the protesters were “making noise” and demanding the release of imprisoned individuals. This unrest ultimately led to the collapse of a prison wall, enabling the mass escape.
He urged the escaped prisoners to surrender voluntarily and called upon the public to assist in locating the fugitives.
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment inmates fled the prison, while other recordings document apprehensions by military personnel and prison guards. Many prisoners attempted to seek refuge in private homes, but some were unsuccessful and subsequently detained.
In an amateur video, one prisoner, still wearing handcuffs on his right wrist, recounts being released from the disciplinary section of the maximum-security prison by fellow inmates.
