Key Points
- A prison riot in Maputo left 33 dead and 15 injured.
- Nationwide protests erupted after a court upheld Frelimo’s election win.
- Authorities fear a rise in crime after over 1,500 inmates escaped.
Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael reported on Wednesday that 33 people had been killed and 15 injured in a disturbance at a jail in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. The violence took place as protests against the nation’s contentious October election continued around the country.
Prison riot leaves 33 dead and sparks security concerns
According to Reuters, the turmoil comes after Mozambique’s top court ruled on Monday that the long-ruling Frelimo party had won the election, leading to protests by opposition organizations and accusations of vote tampering.
Justice Minister Helena Kida told Miramar TV that the violence started within the prison and had nothing to do with what happened outside, while Rafael blamed the prison riot on rallies outside.
During a press briefing, Rafael stated, “The confrontations near the jail resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injuries.”
Over 1,500 escape in riot; security forces brace for crime surge
The victims’ identities are still unknown. According to Rafael, 1,534 prisoners escaped during the riot, and 150 have since been apprehended. He also revealed that two other prisons had attempted break-ins, which sparked nationwide security worries.
“We are worried as Mozambicans and security forces,” Rafael stated. “We expect a rise in crime over the next 48 hours.”
At least 21 people have lost their lives in disturbances since the court’s ruling, according to a report released by Mozambique’s interior minister on Tuesday. At least 130 people have died as a result of clashes with police since protests started, according to civil society organization Plataforma Decide. Â
