MAPUTO, Mozambique - A staggering 6,000 inmates escaped from the high-security Maputo Central Prison on Christmas Day amid chaos following recent post-election unrest.

The shocking event unfolded as violent protests erupted in response to the Constitutional Council's declaration of the ruling Frelimo party as the victor of the October 9 elections. The uprising has resulted in devastating damage to public infrastructure and rampant civil disorder.

Tragically, the police chief Bernardino Rafael reported that 33 prisoners lost their lives and 15 others sustained injuries during clashes with security forces. "These events have shaken the very foundations of our society," Rafael lamented.

The escape commenced around midday as a group of so-called 'subversive protesters' outside the prison began agitating.

This led to a chain reaction inside the facility, where inmates were able to overwhelm guards and seize their weapons. "A curious fact is that among those released, we had 29 convicted terrorists. This raises significant concerns for our national security," Rafael expressed with urgency.

The protests, spurred by frustrations over the election results, became increasingly intense, leading to the collapse of a prison wall.

The situation prompted desperate measures from the inmates, many of whom darted into the surrounding neighborhoods to evade capture. "We urge the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of the escapees," Rafael advised.

Footage circulating on social media shows the dramatic moment of the break, capturing terrified guards and the chaos that ensued.

Reports indicate some inmates attempted to blend into civilian life by hiding in nearby homes, but many were quickly apprehended by military personnel and law enforcement.

In a chilling video, one prisoner, still shackled with handcuffs on his arm, revealed his plight after being freed from the disciplinary unit of the prison.

"I had no choice; we had to escape," he could be heard saying, underscoring the desperation felt within the prison walls.

As Mozambique grapples with these alarming developments, authorities are calling for calm and urging citizens to assist in the hunt for the fugitives.

Experts warn that this mass breakout poses not only a security risk but could also exacerbate the already tense political climate in the nation.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story, uncovering the fallout from what could be one of the most notorious prison escapes in Africa's history!