Police chief says 33 prisoners dead and 15 others injured after confrontation with security forces

At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique’s capital Maputo on Christmas Day after a rebellion, the chief of police has said, as widespread post-election riots and violence continue to engulf the country.

The police general commander, Bernardino Rafael, said 33 prisoners had died and 15 others were injured during a confrontation with the security forces.

Unrest at maximum security prison in the capital, Maputo, reportedly left 33 people dead and 15 injured

Dozens of people were killed in a prison riot in Mozambique on Christmas Day, authorities have said.

The riot, reportedly at the maximum security prison in the capital Maputo, left 33 people dead and 15 injured, according to police general commander Bernardino Rafael.

Opposition claimed ruling Frelimo party rigged 9 October vote, leading to months of civil unrest

Mozambique’s top court has confirmed the ruling party’s victory in October’s presidential elections, potentially triggering more protests after more than two months of unrest over allegations that the results were rigged.

Daniel Chapo, of the ruling Frelimo party, won the 9 October presidential election with 65.2% of the vote, Lúcia Ribeiro, the chair of Mozambique’s constitutional council, told a press conference on Monday.