Dozens of inmates escape DR Congo prison in ‘well-prepared’ breakout
At least 50 inmates have escaped from a prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai province in a mass breakout that officials believe may have involved security personnel.
The prisoners escaped from Luebo prison in the country’s south-central region overnight from Thursday into Friday, according to territorial administrator Jean Tshiawuke wa Tshiawuke.
Tshiawuke said the entire prison was left empty after the inmates forced their way out without opening the facility’s padlocks.
“The entire prison remained empty. It was a well-prepared escape,” he told reporters.
Authorities suspect security personnel may have helped facilitate the breakout, allowing all of the inmates to leave the prison.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety, particularly because some of the escapees are considered dangerous.
Three rifles were also taken during the escape, according to Tshiawuke.
A search operation has been launched to locate the fugitives and recover the weapons.
Authorities have urged residents across the region to report any escaped prisoners they encounter and assist security forces in recapturing them.
The mass escape has raised fresh questions about security at the prison and the possible involvement of officials in allowing the inmates to flee.
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