6,000 PRISONERS ESCAPE FROM PRISON

MAPUTO: Mozambique's police chief, Bernadino Rafael, said 6,000 prisoners, including 29 convicted of treason, escaped from Maputo's central prison on Christmas Day during protests following the victory of the ruling Frelimo party.

Rafael said 33 prisoners died and 15 others were injured in clashes with security forces. READ: Mozambique opposition protests against election

The protests, led by supporters of defeated candidate Venancio Mondlane, caused extensive damage to police infrastructure and the collapse of a prison wall.

Mozambique's Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda has linked the unrest to a dispute over the election results, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue and an end to the violence.

Many of the prisoners who escaped have already been recaptured.