Maputo, Mozambique – The Mozambican government has confirmed a large-scale prison break involving over 1,500 inmates from the high-security Machava prison near Maputo on December 25.
The incident coincides with escalating post-election violence following the Constitutional Council’s ratification of Daniel Chapo’s presidential victory with 65% of the vote.
Police chief Bernardino Rafael reported that 1,534 prisoners escaped, with only 150 apprehended so far.
The breakout triggered violent clashes between escapees, prison staff, and security forces, leaving 33 people dead and 15 injured.
Video footage revealed chaotic scenes as prisoners rushed out of the facility, some armed with weapons seized from guards.
Machava prison houses high-risk detainees, including jihadists linked to insurgent groups in Cabo Delgado.
Among the escapees are at least 30 jihadists, one classified as “highly dangerous,” raising significant security concerns.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of election-related violence, which has claimed 248 lives in two months, according to the NGO Plataforma Decide.
The crisis has drawn international reactions. South Africa’s ruling ANC party congratulated Chapo on his victory, while the United States raised concerns over election transparency.
Observers have criticised South Africa for its subdued response to Mozambique’s escalating instability.