Criminologists in South Africa say criminals who escaped from a Mozambican maximum-security prison earlier this week might cross into neighbouring countries to continue their activities.
Over 1,500 prisoners escaped from Maputo Central Prison on Christmas Day, taking advantage of national protests following the disputed October 9 polls.
Police Chief Bernardino Rafael said the prisoners escaped when protesters vandalised a government building and police cars. Said Rafael:
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The inmates disarmed the prison warders and freed their fellow prisoners.
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He said that 29 of the escapees had been convicted of terrorism, while others were sentenced for serious crimes.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/news-world/news-africa/sa-faces-fallout-from-mozambique-prison-escape/">The Citizen</a>, Professor Anni Hesselink, a criminologist at the University of Limpopo, warned that many of the absconding inmates could be violent and aggressive offenders.
Among the escapees are murderers, rapists, armed robbers, serial rapists, and serial killers, with some serving time for multiple violent crimes. Said Hesselink:
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Fleeing to South Africa and amalgamating with criminal networks and the criminal underworld cannot be ruled out, as it will enhance their prospects of freedom.
It will, in turn, put more strain on SA’s problematic high crime rate, our overburdened intelligence and police forces, contributing to the illegal immigrant issue, escalating fear of crime and xenophobia.
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Institute for Security Studies crime analyst Willem Els told The Citizen that it was concerning the escaped criminals were armed and dangerous, having managed to disarm prison warders of weapons and ammunition. Said Els:
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We know that 100 of the prisoners were rearrested and killed by the soldiers, but we don’t know how many of them are still out there.
Since there is unrest in that country, we will see an influx of political asylum seekers coming into the country and some of the criminals might take advantage of that to sneak into the country.
It is not easy to control many people. Remember that some years ago, most of the soldiers were forced to take packages and you can guess what happened when the money was finished.
You may find that some of them were forced to use their skills in the wrong way and be part of the criminals.
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Els emphasized the need for South Africa to strengthen its borders to prevent the entry of dangerous criminals.
He also urged the South African government and SADC countries to work towards bringing peace to Mozambique, to prevent the spillover of criminal activities.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a prison in Mozambique and may cross into other countries to commit crimes. Some of the escapees were convicted of terrorism and other serious crimes. Experts warn that these criminals could be violent and dangerous. They may join criminal groups and cause more crime in South Africa. Security analysts are worried that the escaped criminals are armed and could pose a threat to the safety of people. It is important for countries to work together to stop these criminals and bring peace to Mozambique.

Mozambique's Escaped Inmates Pose Threats To Neighboring Countries - Experts

Over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a jail in Maputo, Mozambique, during a riot that resulted in at least 33 deaths and 15 injuries, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/25/jailbreak-amid-mozambique-protests-sees-1500-prisoners-escape-33-killed">reported Al Jazeera</a>.
Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael said on Wednesday that 150 escaped prisoners had been recaptured.
The incident coincides with rising civil unrest following October’s disputed elections, which have led to accusations of election rigging against the ruling FRELIMO party.
Rafael also said protests outside the prison contributed to the riot. He said:
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The confrontations after that resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injured in the vicinity of the jail.
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However, Justice Minister Helena Kida said in an interview with local broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest originated within the prison and was unrelated to external protests. The identities of those killed and injured remain unclear.
According to a report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), prisoners managed to overpower guards and seize AK-47 rifles, allowing them to escape from the correctional facility.
Mozambican journalist Clemente Carlos said that the escapees likely exploited the reduced number of guards during the Christmas holiday season.
Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, shared his thoughts on the situation in a post on X on Wednesday:
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This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the state of security and the justice system in Mozambique.
Now, more than ever, it is critical for authorities, civil society, and international partners to collaborate to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that led to this situation.
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Meanwhile, violence over election results on Monday and Tuesday resulted in at least 21 deaths, including two police officers. The unrest included attacks on petrol stations, police stations, and banks.
This latest wave of violence has raised the total death toll in Mozambique to 151 since October 21, according to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

1,500 prisoners escaped from a jail in Mozambique during a riot. 33 people died and 15 were injured in the chaos. Some prisoners were recaptured. The unrest is linked to disputed elections and accusations of election rigging. There is disagreement about the cause of the riot. The prisoners took guns and overwhelmed guards to escape. More violence erupted, resulting in 21 more deaths. The situation has raised concerns about security and justice in Mozambique. Authorities are urged to work together for public safety.

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