More than 1,500 prisoners broke out of a Maputo prison on Wednesday during ongoing unrest following the controversial confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party as the winner of recent elections.
National Police Chief Bernardino Rafael reported at a press conference that a total of 1,534 prisoners escaped from the high-security facility located 15km from the capital.
Rafael confirmed that 33 individuals were killed and 15 wounded during clashes with prison staff in the escape attempt.
He stated that around 150 fugitives were apprehended in a search operation supported by the army.
“Around 30 of the prisoners were linked to armed groups that have been behind unrest and attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado for the past seven years.
“We are particularly concerned about this situation,” Rafael said.
The country’s highest court upheld Frelimo’s victory in the presidential election on Monday, with the party securing 65.17% of the vote. This was slightly lower than the initial results announced by the electoral commission.
