Over 1,500 inmates broke free from a prison in Mozambique on Wednesday, seizing the opportunity presented by the third day of turmoil following the contentious confirmation of the long-dominant Frelimo party as the victor of recent elections.
A total of 1,534 prisoners escaped from the high-security facility situated approximately 15 kilometres from the capital, Maputo, said police chief Bernardino Rafael during a press briefing.
Among those who tried to flee, 33 lost their lives, and 15 were injured during confrontations with prison personnel, he noted. A search conducted with the aid of the military resulted in the capture of about 150 escaped inmates, he added.
Roughly 30 of the escapees were associated with armed groups responsible for ongoing unrest and attacks in the northern region of Cabo Delgado over the past seven years.
The highest court in the Portuguese-speaking African nation had confirmed on Monday that Frelimo, who has been in power since 1975, won the presidential election held on October 9, despite numerous claims of irregularities from various observers.
Protesters gathered near the penitentiary on Wednesday, causing chaos and inciting turmoil within the prison, where inmates ultimately breached a wall to make their escape, he explained. Barricades remained in place in various parts of the capital on Wednesday, restricting movement as incidents of vandalism persisted.
In addition to shops and public buildings that had already been looted on Monday, ambulances were set on fire, along with a pharmacy and other businesses.
Some demonstrators also set up tables in the streets to occupy the area while enjoying Christmas with family or neighbours. The unrest has resulted in at least 150 fatalities, according to reports from several NGOs.