A prison riot in Mozambique’s capital Maputo resulted in the death of 33 individuals and left 15 injured, as stated by the country’s police general commander Bernardino Rafael on December 25, 2024.
During the incident, approximately 1,534 individuals managed to escape from the prison, but 150 of them have since been recaptured, according to Rafael.
Mozambique is currently facing a surge in civil unrest following the disputed election in October, which prolonged the ruling party Frelimo’s tenure in power. Opposition factions and their supporters allege electoral fraud.
Although Rafael attributed the riot to protests occurring outside the prison, Justice Minister Helena Kida informed local broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest originated within the prison and was not related to external demonstrations.
“The ensuing clashes led to 33 fatalities and 15 injuries in the vicinity of the prison,” Rafael disclosed during a press briefing.
The identities of the deceased and injured individuals remain unclear.
The interior minister of Mozambique announced on Tuesday that at least 21 individuals lost their lives in the turmoil following the confirmation of Frelimo’s victory by the country’s highest court on Monday.
Published – December 26, 2024 02:25 am IST
