Prison Break in Maputo: 322 Inmates Recaptured

On December 25, 2024, a significant number of inmates, totaling 1,534, escaped from the Machava prison complex in Maputo, Mozambique. This complex includes both a high-security and a provincial jail.

To date, the National Penitentiary Service (SERNAP) has managed to recapture 322 of these escapees, with 1,436 originally from the maximum-security facility and 98 from the provincial jail. The inmates were serving sentences for various crimes, including terrorism, murder, robbery, and drug trafficking, with terms ranging from 5 to 25 years.

A SERNAP spokesperson noted that while there have been no new recaptures in the last 24 hours, the operation to find the remaining fugitives continues. The public's role has been vital, as tips from the community have led to several arrests.

SERNAP is appealing to the public for continued assistance in this effort, asking people to report any information to the nearest police station or directly to the prison authorities in Maputo.

This incident has highlighted the challenges within the prison system and the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.