A suspected riot breaks out in a prison in the capital Maputo. Some officials disputed that the incident was related to post-election unrest.
A suspected riot at a prison in Mozambique’s capital has left at least 33 people dead and 15 injured, while more than 1,500 prisoners escaped, authorities said.
Police Commander General Bernardino Rafael said on Wednesday that 150 of the prisoners who escaped from Maputo prison had been recaptured.
Mozambique is experiencing escalating unrest in connection with the October riots controversial choicewhich extended the stay in power of the long-standing ruling party Frelimo. Opposition groups and their supporters claim the vote was rigged.
While Rafael blamed protests outside the prison for fueling the unrest, Justice Minister Helena Kida told local private broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest began inside the prison and had nothing to do with protests outside the prison.
“The clashes that followed resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injuries near the prison,” Rafael said at a media briefing.
The identities of those killed and injured were unclear.
According to a report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the prisoners overpowered guards and confiscated AK-47 rifles, allowing them to escape from the correctional facility.
Mozambican journalist Clemente Carlos told SABC the refugees were likely taking advantage of the Christmas holiday period, when there were fewer guards on duty compared to normal working days.
“This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the security situation and justice system in Mozambique,” Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, wrote on X on Wednesday.
“Now more than ever, it is critical for authorities, civil society and international partners to work together to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that led to this situation.”
There were now at least 21 people, including two police officers confirmed dead during two days of violence against election results on Monday and Tuesday, including attacks on gas stations, police stations and banks.
The death toll in the country rose to 151 since October 21, according to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group.
