129 Lives Lost As DR Congo Prison Break Turns Deadly

Tue Sep 03 2024
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KINSHASA, Democratic Republic Congo: At least 129 people were killed during a violent prison break attempt at Makala prison, the largest correctional facility in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The incident occurred over the weekend, with gunfire erupting at around 2:00 am on Monday, leading to hours of chaos.

According to Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani, 24 of the deceased were shot after warnings, while the rest succumbed to being crushed, suffocated, or other causes during the turmoil.

Kinshasa, DR Congo, Prison, Break, 129 Dead

The violence also led to the wounding of at least 59 individuals and reports of women being raped. Eyewitnesses described the grim scene, with security forces seen transporting bodies in the early morning hours.

Kinshasa, DR Congo, Prison, Break, 129 Dead

While the situation has since been declared “under control” by government spokesman Patrick Muyaya, the exact number of escapees or those who attempted to flee remains unknown.

This incident highlights the severe security and human rights issues plaguing the nation’s prison system.

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