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Forget your average prison break—Mozambique just witnessed one for the history books. More than 1,500 prisoners made a daring escape during political unrest in Maputo. Protests over disputed election results provided the perfect cover for chaos.
The prison walls came crashing down—literally—on Wednesday as demonstrators clashed with guards. Police Chief Bernardino Rafael reported that 33 people were killed and 15 injured during the melee. Since the escape, authorities have recaptured about 150 fugitives, but the majority remain at large. Some might be rethinking their newfound freedom, considering the unrest outside.
The trigger for the chaos? Mozambique's constitutional court upheld the re-election of President Daniel Chapo, albeit with a reduced margin. His rival, Venâncio Mondlane, who has since fled the country, called for protests, hinting at a "popular uprising." The results? A ghost-town Maputo, burned police stations, and looted Frelimo offices.
With at least 21 dead in post-election unrest, Mozambique teeters on the edge of more violence. As authorities hunt escapees, one can't help but wonder: was this jailbreak a daring bid for freedom or a leap from the frying pan into the fire?
