A failed jailbreak at a high-security prison in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has led to 129 deaths, authorities say. Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo reported that security forces killed 24 inmates after firing warning shots early Monday morning. Most of the remaining deaths occurred when inmates suffocated during the crush in the breakout at Makala Prison.
Initial reports indicated mass casualties, but Kinshasa government first claimed only two deaths. The incident took place at Makala Prison, the country’s largest. Seven years ago, over 4,000 inmates escaped from the same prison.
Residents near the prison heard gunfire early in the morning. Local resident Daddi Soso told AFP news agency, “I heard gunshots from around 01:00 or 02:00 until about 05:00.” Police blocked journalists from accessing the prison, limiting immediate coverage.
This tragic event highlights ongoing security challenges in the Kinshasa prisons. Authorities are still investigating, and more details are expected to emerge.
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