The eManzana (formerly Badplaas) police are looking for nine prisoners who escaped from their holding cells on Tuesday around 17:00.

According to the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, they had cut through the rooftop of the cells from the inside, and used blankets tied up as a rope to get out. They jumped the police station fence and ran.

“The nine prisoners were arrested for different cases, and the police have managed to apprehend one of them while the other eight are still on the run.

“We are asking members of the public to come forward if they have any information that could help the police apprehend these criminals,” Mohlala says.

Norman Mthethwa (30), a sentenced prisoner for theft, has already been recaptured.

The other eight prisoners still on the run are:
1. Louis Matsimbi (38): awaiting prisoner, attempted murder
2. Simba Mhlanga (20): awaiting prisoner, attempted murder
3. Charlie Matamela (36): awaiting prisoner, attempted murder
4. Randani Dou (37): awaiting prisoner, robbery
5. Alzek Mulambo (28): sentenced prisoner, theft
6. Jeremiah Shiri (27): sentenced prisoner, theft
7. Simon Mahosi (27): sentenced prisoner, theft
8. Steve Masingi (37): sentenced prisoner, murder.