UPDATE: At least two escape from High Court in Johannesburg holding cells

The High Court in Johannesburg is reportedly on lockdown, with no-one allowed to enter or leave, as prisoners have escaped their holding cells and are now trapped in the building.

While initial reports indicated that the number of escaped prisoners was six, according to police spokesperson Kay Makhubela only two have escaped.

“Only two prisoners that were due to appear in court today have escaped”, she said.

The prisoners are considered dangerous and were reportedly facing murder charges.

The precinct surrounding the area is currently a scene of chaos as law enforcement searches for the escaped prisoners.

A witness told IOL that all exits were sealed off and that a police helicopter is currently circling the area. There is a heavy armed security presence, including various arms of law enforcement as well as private security personnel.

No deaths or injuries have been reported as yet.

Earlier, the court was evacuated while police conducted a search. It was thought the prisoners were hiding out somewhere in the court premises.

The police said they were continuing to search for the escaped prisoners and a probe had been launched to find out how they managed to escape from the court.

This is a developing story.

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