In short:
At least 6,000 prisoners have broken out of a high-security prison in Mozambique during post-election riots.
33 prisoners died and 15 others were injured during a confrontation with the security forces.
What's next?
Police have called for the voluntary surrender of the escaped prisoners and for the population to be informed about the fugitives.
At least 6,000 inmates have escaped a high-security prison in Mozambique's capital on Christmas Day after a rebellion as widespread post-election riots and violence continue to engulf the country.
Thirty-three prisoners died and 15 others were injured during a confrontation with the security forces, Mozambique police chief Bernardino Rafael said.
The prisoners fled during violent protests, that have seen police cars, stations and general public infrastructure destroyed after the country's Constitutional Council confirmed the ruling Frelimo party as the winner of the October 9 elections.
The escape from the Maputo Central Prison, located 14 km south-west of the capital in Matola, started around midday Wednesday after "agitation" by a "group of subversive protesters" nearby, Mr Rafael said.
He added that prisoners at the facility snatched weapons from prison warders and started freeing other detainees.
"A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released," he said.
"We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defence and security forces.
"They (protesters) were making noise demanding that they be able to remove the prisoners who are there serving their sentences."
He said the protests led to the collapse of a wall, allowing the prisoners to flee.
He called for the voluntary surrender of the escaped prisoners and for the population to be informed about the fugitives.
Videos circulating on social media show the moment inmates left the prison, while other recordings reveal captures made by military personnel and prison guards. Many prisoners tried to hide in homes, but some were unsuccessful and ended up being detained.
One prisoner still with handcuffs on his right wrist says, in an amateur video, that he was in the disciplinary section of the maximum prison and was released by other inmates.
AP
