129 killed in DR Congo attempted jailbreak

At least 129 people were killed in an attempted jailbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday night.

The Congolese Interior Minister, Jacquemain Shabani, confirmed the incident on his X account on Tuesday.

He said the prison authorities shot dead 24 inmates while dozens of others were suffocated or trampled to death.

According to the minister, some female prisoners were raped during the chaos at the Makala prison in the capital Kinshasa.

He said at least 59 people were also injured in the incident.

READ ALSO: Government forces thwart attempted coup in DR Congo

The police and army were able to bring the situation under control.

Shabani said the number of victims is preliminary.

“The property damage was considerable. Administrative buildings, the infirmary, and the food depot had been completely burnt down,” the minister added.

Security forces held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the case.

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