Police expect a sharp rise in crime over the next 48 hours in the capital.
Local media reported that at least 1,534 prisoners escaped from a high-security prison near Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, in a pre-planned action linked to post-election protests.
According to Noticias ao Minuto, citing the Director-General of the National Police, Bernardino Rafael, a significant increase in crime rates is expected in Maputo over the next 48 hours.
Rafael mentioned that only 150 of the escaped prisoners have been recaptured.
He also noted that among the escapees were 29 “highly dangerous” terrorists, raising serious concerns about the situation.
The escape took place around 1:00 PM local time (11:00 GMT) at Maputo Central Prison in Matola, located about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the capital. It occurred during a series of protests by disruptive groups in the area.
Rafael explained that the protesters were demanding the release of certain detainees, which caused unrest within the prison. Despite conflicts with guards, the prisoners managed to escape when the prison walls collapsed.
The clashes resulted in 33 prisoners being killed, with 15 others injured.
Rafael called on the fugitives to voluntarily surrender and urged the public to provide information on their whereabouts.
The prison break comes amid fresh protests that erupted after the Constitutional Court confirmed the controversial victory of Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), in the October 9 elections.
Following the electoral authority’s announcement in late October that Chapo won with 71% of the vote, defeating main opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who received 20%, violent protests have been ongoing in Mozambique.
Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Mozambique Center for Democracy and Human Rights, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, “More than 2,500 detainees escaped from high-security prisons, including Maputo Central Prison. This shocking event raises urgent questions about the security situation and the justice system in Mozambique.”
He added, “It is now more critical than ever for authorities, civil society, and international partners to collaborate to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that led to this situation.”
