The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced Monday that investigations are underway following an attempted jailbreak from the country’s largest prison.
The incident occurred at Makala prison in Kinshasa, and the exact details are still unclear.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed the escape attempt at Makala central prison and stated that security forces are on-site to manage the situation.
Muyaya, speaking from Beijing where he is part of the delegation for the China-Africa summit, assured that the situation is under control.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots during the night, but authorities have yet to provide details on the number of escaped prisoners.
Police had cordoned off streets around the prison, as observed by AFP journalists.
Local resident Daddi Soso, an electrician in his 40s, recounted hearing gunfire from around 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., and saw law enforcement vehicles transporting bodies.
Soso described the scene as chaotic and distressing.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced that inquiries are underway to identify and punish those responsible for the sabotage.
He also stated that transfers of prisoners to Makala have been suspended.
The prison, which is designed for 1,500 inmates, currently holds 14,000 to 15,000 detainees.
