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33 dead and 1,500 escaped in uprising in Maputo prison
A prison riot in Maputo left 33 dead and 15 injured while 1,534 prisoners escaped. Unrest related to the disputed elections continues to escalate.
33 dead and 1,500 escaped in uprising in Maputo prison
In Mozambique's capital, Maputo, a violent prison riot broke out, leaving 33 people dead and 15 others injured. This was reported by the country's Inspector General of Police, Bernardino Rafael, on Wednesday. As a result of the incident, around 1,534 inmates escaped from prison, but 150 of them have since been recaptured.
Causes of the uprising
The uprising came at a time of increasing civil unrest in Mozambique, linked to disputed elections in October. In these elections, the rule of the long-standing ruling party Frelimo was extended. Opposition groups and their supporters claim the elections were rigged.
Different perspectives from the authorities
Rafael blamed the protests outside the prison for sparking the riot. In contrast, Justice Minister Helena Kida said in an interview with private broadcaster Miramar TV that the riots originated inside the prison and were not related to the protests outside.
Consequences of the uprising
“The clashes subsequently resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injuries in the area surrounding the prison,” Rafael said during a press conference. The identities of those killed and injured are still unclear. Mozambique's interior minister said on Tuesday that at least 21 people died during unrest following the confirmation of Frelimo's victory by the country's top court on Monday.