Left to Die: Escape from the Amarula

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When Islamist insurgents attacked a town in Mozambique in March, civilians and foreign contractors raced to a local hotel for safety. Over three agonising days, they waited for a rescue. But no one came. In this extraordinary story of extremism, corruption and bravery, journalist Basia Cummings investigates what happened at the Amarula Hotel, and speaks to the people who were trapped inside – and made it out alive.

Tortoise Studios


    • Nov 24, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 17m AVG DURATION
    • 7 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Left to Die: Escape from the Amarula

    Introducing...Walter's War

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 3:22


    Introducing Walter's War, a brand new investigation from Tortoise. It's London, 2012. Oliver is a dashing diplomat. Charlie is a young graduate trying to find her feet in the world. They meet online and she falls in love. With his encouragement, Charlie applies for a job in British intelligence. Then, she receives a text message that turns her life - and her relationship - upside down, and 10 years later, a mystery is still hanging over her. Walter's War is an investigation into what happened next – a journey through big tech and national security, hype and hucksterism, where anyone who can tell a good story can go far. But how much is true? Search for Tortoise Investigates wherever you get your podcasts and follow the feed so you don't miss an episode. You can find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Introducing ... Pig Iron

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2022 2:40


    Introducing...Pig Iron. A story about the mysterious death – and life – of a young war reporter on the frontline. At first, it looked like another tragedy of war… a young journalist caught in the crossfire. Until, just hours after his death, his story splintered. The government claimed he wasn't a journalist at all, but a foreign fighter – a legitimate target. Other evidence suggested he was killed on purpose for being a reporter. In this new series from Tortoise and the team behind Left To Die, Pig Iron is a journey into the dark seduction of war, and what really happened to Christopher Allen. Listen to episode one today. Search Pig Iron and follow the feed to be the first to know.To access the first three episodes, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or join Tortoise as a member, where you will also get invites to exclusive events. Visit the Tortoise website and use the code Basia50 for half price membership for £50 per year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Introducing ... Pig Iron

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 0:53


    From the makers of Left to Die and Sweet Bobby comes Pig Iron. Christopher Allen, an aspiring war reporter, was just 26 when he was shot and killed in South Sudan. At first, it looked like another tragedy of war … a young journalist caught in the crossfire. Until, just hours after his death, his story splintered. The government claimed he wasn't a journalist at all, but a foreign fighter – a legitimate target. Other evidence suggested he was killed on purpose for being a reporter. In this new series from Tortoise, Pig Iron is a story about the dark seduction of war, and what really happened to Christopher Allen. Search for Pig Iron to listen to the trailer today and follow the feed to be the first to know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Return to the Amarula

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2022 1:17


    Our three-part podcast Left to Die told the harrowing story of 200 civilians trapped in a hotel in Mozambique under siege by violent extremists. This week, in the Tortoise Slow Newscast, we're looking at what happened next. Listen to the full episode here: https://podfollow.com/the-tortoise-podcast Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3. The betrayal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 34:34


    Nick's two-day ordeal in the bush hiding from the insurgents – and the question left lying in the dust of the attack: who, really, abandoned them all? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    2. The escape

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 46:45


    The story of Wesley and his brother Adrian, who escape the Amarula Hotel in a car and are ambushed by insurgents as they race to safety. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    1. The attack

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2021 32:05


    An Islamist insurgency hits the town of Palma, Mozambique. Nick and Wes, two South African contractors, race to the Amarula Hotel and take shelter – along with more than 200 civilians. Slowly, over three horrifying days, it becomes clear: no one is coming to help them. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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