The Mozambican government has initiated a comprehensive investigation following the escape of 1,534 prisoners from two high-security prisons in the capital, Maputo. The dramatic breakout, which occurred on Wednesday, led to violent confrontations with prison staff, resulting in at least 33 deaths.
The escape involved inmates from both the Central Prison and the Maximum Security Prison of Machava, also known as B.O., and has raised serious concerns about the country’s prison security protocols. Authorities have described the escape as one of the largest and most coordinated prison breaks in Mozambique’s recent history.
In response to the scale of the escape and the ensuing violence, the government has formed a commission of inquiry tasked with determining the circumstances surrounding the incident. Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs Filimao Suaze confirmed that the commission is already at work, aiming to uncover any internal or external security failures, as well as assessing whether there was negligence among those responsible for the prisons’ security.
Suaze stated that the inquiry would also look into the fatalities that occurred during the ongoing operation to recapture the escapees. “We are determined to understand how such an extensive escape took place and to hold those responsible accountable,” Suaze explained.
Authorities have recaptured around 280 prisoners so far, with over 100 apprehended just days after the escape, largely due to assistance from local families and community members. Many of the fugitives either voluntarily returned or were handed over by relatives who reported their whereabouts after noticing unusual behavior or irregularities.
The deputy minister firmly rejected rumors circulating on social media that the escape was part of a premeditated plan to eliminate prisoners. He stressed that the escapees, including individuals classified as terrorists, are under constant surveillance, and efforts to capture them remain a top priority.
“We are closely monitoring the situation,” Suaze reassured the public, urging continued cooperation with law enforcement as the search for the remaining fugitives intensifies.
The mass escape has caused widespread fear in Maputo’s neighborhoods, and local authorities have vowed to restore order quickly. Although the commission has not set a specific deadline for the completion of its investigation, Suaze expressed confidence that significant progress would be made in the coming days.
The incident has also sparked public debate about the state of Mozambique’s prison system, with experts questioning the effectiveness of security measures and the management of high-risk inmates.