UPDATE: Escaped prisoners still at large

The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed two prisoners, who escaped custody yesterday, are still at large.

Bonginkosi Nsibanyoni and Sphiwe Khanye stole a firearm, then a Correctional Services vehicle, which they used to flee from an appearance at the Madadeni Magistrates Court.

Both escapees were offenders, housed at Waterval Correctional Centre.

During their brazen escape, the prisoners took a female correctional officer hostage and used the stolen vehicle to smash through a metal gate.

The vehicle was later recovered near Dannhauser.

Fortunately, the DoCS official was found to be alive and well, although she will undergo counselling after being locked inside the vehicle for some time.

The prisoners have since fled on foot.

Appealing to the public to be on alert, DoCS regional spokesman, Thulani Mdluli said the men were dangerous individuals, linked to kidnapping, murder and other serious crimes.

“(The department) appeals to any member of public who may have information, which could lead to the arrest of these offenders, to come forward and report immediately to the police or crime prevention on 086 001 0111.”

A statement from local SAPS indicated multiple branches of law enforcement are on patrol, in pursuit of the escapees.

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