33 Die, 1,500 Escape in Mozambique Prison Break Amid Election Tensions
- Escalating civil unrest linked to October’s disputed presidential election has resulted in a mass jail break in Maputo, Mozambique's capital
- Over 1,500 inmates escaped from prison, 33 people were confirmed dead and 15 others sustained serious injuries
- police general commander, Bernardino Rafael, blamed protests outside the prison for encouraging the riot
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Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events
Maputo, Mozambique - No fewer than 33 persons have lost their lives and 1,500 inmates escaped during a prison riot in Maputo, Mozambique's capital on Wednesday, December 25.
The country’s police general commander, Bernardino Rafael, 15 others sustained injuries during the incident.
Source: Twitter
Rafael added that 150 people have been recaptured from the about 1,534 people who escaped from the prison.
According to France 24, the riot started a day after Mozambique's Constitutional Council confirmed the long-ruling Frelimo party's presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo’s victory.
The judgement on the disputed October elections sparked fresh nationwide protests by opposition groups and their supporters.
At least 21 people were killed in the unrest that erupted after the court judgement.
Opponents and election observers have repeatedly accused Frelimo of rigging votes.
Rafael blamed protests outside the prison for encouraging the riot, CNN reports.
“The confrontations after that resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injured in the vicinity of the jail.”
The Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, said at least 78 people have been arrested and security measures have been tightened across the country.
Ronda said the youthful supporters of the losing candidate, Venancio Mondlane, led the riot and unrest.
Mondlane received 24% of the vote behind Frelimo party candidate Chapo with 65%.
Tragedy as Cyclone Chido kills 94 in Mozambique
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that tragedy struck in the northern part of Mozambique with a Violent storm and bad weather called Cyclone Chido.
The Mozambique National Institute of Disaster Management (INGC) said at least 94 have been killed so far.
According to the country's disaster management agency, 768 people were injured and more than 622,000 people were affected.
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Source: Legit.ng
