Maputo, 12 Feb (AIM) – The Mozambican Police (PRM) have recaptured 19 of the 220 prisoners who escaped from the Gorongosa district prison in the central province of Sofala on 3 February, released by rioters, led by artisanal miners and drivers of motorbike taxis.
According to the police spokesperson in Sofala, Dércio Chacate, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the authorities have also detained seven rioters related to the case.
“After seven days, 19 of the 220 prisoners illegally released have been recaptured”, Chacate said. “There are also seven demonstrators arrested for incitement to violence and destruction of public property. The situation is now under control in the town of Gorongosa”.
Chacate explained that the authorities have been calling on the population to denounce those who had broken into the prison to release the inmates.
“Naturally, our work involves talking to the population. That’s what we do. On the other hand, we’re going to continue working to recapture the other individuals who were in the prison”, he said.
On the same occasion, the Police also presented to the press an individual who works at a private security company for allegedly carrying a firearm, which he used to commit criminal offences. However, the detainee denied his involvement in the crime and said that he was assaulted by Police in the street.
(AIM)
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