MAPUTO: A prison riot in Mozambique’s capital Maputo left 33 people dead and 15 injured, the country’s police general commander said on Wednesday, as civil unrest linked to October’s disputed election continues.

About 1,534 people escaped from the prison in the incident, but 150 were recaptured, the official said, adding that there were prison break attempts at two other prisons.

A decision on Monday by Mozambique’s top court confirming long-ruling party Frelimo’s victory in the election has sparked fresh nationwide protests by opposition groups and their supporters who say the vote was rigged.

While police blamed protests outside the prison for encouraging the riot, Justice Minister Helena Kida told local private broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest was started inside the prison and had nothing to do with protests outside.

“The confrontations after that resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injured in the vicinity of the jail.” Rafael told a media briefing.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2024