– Among the fugitives are dozens convicted of terrorism offences
– 33 people killed during the escape
By Sheila Nhancale
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – A total of 1,534 inmates have escaped from Mozambique’s largest prison, the Central Prison of Maputo. Among the escapees are 29 individuals convicted of terrorism-related crimes, according to the Chief Police, Bernardino Rafael, in a televised statement on Wednesday evening.
Rafael stated that the prisoners were freed by protesters and that, during the clashes, 33 people lost their lives, though he did not specify the identities of the victims.
Police forces have managed to recapture just over 150 prisoners and continue their operations to locate the remaining escapees.
This marks the fourth confirmed incident of prisoners being freed during protests against electoral results. The other three incidents occurred in Zambézia Province, in the districts of Inhassunge, Morrumbala, and Ile, and one in Manhiça, in Maputo Province.
The Chief Police has called on the fugitives to voluntarily return to prison and serve their sentences. Rafael also warned of the risk of increased criminal activity in Maputo city and province due to the release of over 1,500 prisoners. (SN)
