Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are investigating after an attempted jailbreak at Makala central prison in the capital Kinshasa. Heavy gunfire was heard as inmates tried to escape from the overcrowded facility. The government has confirmed that security forces have the situation under control, but the number of casualties is unknown. Local media reports suggest that dozens of bodies were taken away from the prison.
The prison, with a capacity for 1,500 prisoners, currently houses between 14,000 and 15,000 detainees, leading to severe overcrowding. In 2017, more than 4,000 prisoners managed to escape after an armed attack on the facility. Efforts to reduce overcrowding have been made, including the release of dozens of inmates in recent months.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has stated that inquiries are ongoing to identify and punish those responsible for the attempted jailbreak. A ban on inmate transfers to the prison has been announced, and plans for a new facility are in the works to address the overcrowding issue.
Local resident Daddi Soso reported waking up to the sound of gunfire during the night and witnessing law enforcement vehicles transporting bodies. Despite the government’s assurance that the situation is under control, the incident has raised concerns about the security and conditions within the prison. Further updates on the investigation and efforts to improve the situation at Makala central prison are expected in the coming days.
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