Attempted Prison Jailbreak Turns Deadly for 129 People

A deadly attempted jailbreak at Kinshasa's Makala Central Prison in the Congo resulted in at least 129 fatalities, mostly from a chaotic stampede, Congolese authorities reported Tuesday. The overcrowded prison saw inmates trying to flee amid "warning" gunfire, which Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani confirmed left 24 escapees shot dead.

"The government is also attending to 59 injured people, including cases of rape," Shabani stated. Restoration of order followed the turmoil that partially burned the facility. Makala, designed for 1,500 inmates but housing over 12,000, has suffered previous breakouts, notably one in 2017.

Gunfire erupted around midnight, with videos displaying bodies on the grounds and inmates transporting deceased individuals. An initial government report of two deaths was contested by rights activists. Deputy Justice Minister Mbemba Kabuya disclosed that the escape plan originated within the prison wings.

story continues below

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba condemned the event as a "premeditated act of sabotage" and vowed there would be stern consequences for instigators. He announced an immediate halt to inmate transfers and plans to construct a new prison to tackle the severe overcrowding. Authorities have cordoned off roads leading to the prison as investigations proceed. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)