Thirty-three people died and 15 were left behind on Wednesday (25) during a riot by inmates at Machava Central Prison, known as "BO" in Maputo province, said the Commander General of the Mozambican Police (PRM), Bernardino Rafael.

According to a VOAThe identities of the dead and injured have not been provided.

As a result of the rebellion, 1,534 people escaped, but Rafael said that 150 were recaptured and returned to the cells of the jail, which houses at least 2,500 inmates.

According to Justice Minister Helena Kida, "the rebellion started inside the prison", but Bernardino Rafael accuses the protesters against the election results of having instigated the prisoners.

Inmates are also reported to have escaped in the Manhiça and Mabalane districts, in Maputo and Gaza provinces respectively. The authorities did not provide figures.

These incidents come at a time when Mozambique is facing demonstrations that began after the election results were announced, which gave victory to Frelimo and its presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo.

(Photo DR)