In an unprecedented security breach, more than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a high-security prison near Maputo, Mozambique, on Wednesday. The mass jailbreak unfolded amid ongoing unrest following the contentious confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party as the victor in the October 9 presidential elections.
National Police Chief Bernardino Rafael disclosed at a press conference that 1,534 inmates fled the facility, located approximately 15 kilometers from the capital. He revealed that clashes between the escaping prisoners and prison staff resulted in the deaths of 33 inmates, with 15 others sustaining injuries. Security forces, supported by the army, have launched an intensive manhunt, leading to the recapture of about 150 fugitives so far.
Among those who escaped, around 30 inmates are reported to have ties to armed groups responsible for years of violence and unrest in the northern Cabo Delgado province. “We are particularly concerned about this situation,” Rafael stated, highlighting the potential security threat posed by these individuals.
The jailbreak comes on the heels of Mozambique’s highest court confirming Frelimo’s victory in the recent elections, a decision that has fueled widespread protests and unrest across the country. Frelimo, in power since 1975, secured 65.17% of the vote, a figure slightly lower than initial results announced by the electoral commission.
The escape has added to the country’s volatile atmosphere, with authorities working urgently to address the dual challenges of political unrest and a significant security breach. As the situation continues to evolve, Mozambique faces mounting pressure to restore order and ensure public safety.