Mozambique says a “search operation,” backed by the army, is underway to recapture more than 1,500 prisoners that escaped from a Maputo prison on Christmas Day. 150 fugitives have been recaptured as of Wednesday evening.
Authorities said the escaped inmates took advantage of the third day of unrest triggered by the controversial confirmation of the long-ruling Frelimo party as the winner of recent elections on Monday, AFP reported.
National police chief Bernardino Rafael told a press conference on Wednesday evening that 33 inmates were killed as they tried to escape, with another 15 wounded in clashes with prison staff.
A total of 1,534 detainees escaped the high-security prison located about 15 kilometres (nine miles) from the capital, said Rafael.
Groups of protesters had approached the penitentiary Wednesday, creating confusion and triggering unrest inside the prison, where inmates ended up knocking down a wall through which they escaped, Rafeal explained.
Frelimo leader Daniel Chapo won 65.17 percent of the vote, about five points less than the initial results declared by the country’s electoral commission.
Chapo’s main challenger, exiled opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, has claimed the election was rigged, sparking fears of violence between rival party supporters.
The unrest has claimed the lives of at least 150 people, according to several NGO reports.
Peoplesmind
