The search for the seven dangerous awaiting-trial prisoners was still continuing at the time of going to press. This follows an incident that took place at the Mhala Police station cells on Monday night at about 21:00.

According to the spokesperson for the police in the area, Capt Maano Sadiki, the prisoners were kept in the exercising cell when they escaped. The prisoners, who cut open the roof of the exercising cell and escaped, are Herbert Mokoena (30), Dumisani Shabalala (29), Kgulufelo Monareng (34), Ntando Maphanga (35), Kagiso Dibakoane (28), Power Ubisi (34), Vusi Madonsela (31) and Owen Ngobeni (37).

With the exception of Ngobeni, who was behind bars for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery some months back, the rest of the escapees were charged with murder.

Vusi Madonsela was rearrested shortly after escaping.

In the statement that was released on Tuesday, the police described the prisoners as extremely dangerous, saying people must not take a risk of trying to apprehend the escapees in case they see them. They appealed to people to contact them at any police station with any information relating to the case.