A South African National Defence Force member is one of two suspects arrested following the escape of six prisoners on the Vivo Road near Louis Trichardt in Limpopo.

Police were on Monday morning transporting the prisoners from the Makhado Correctional Centre to Senwabarwana, when they were shot at by a group of armed men.

The prisoners were freed and they all sped off in a grey sedan and white bakkie.

Mojapelo says a 38-year-old soldier and a 28-year-old Zimbabwean national, believed to be the brother of one of the escapees, were last night arrested by members of the Limpopo Tracking Team and the Murder and Robbery Unit. They are alleged involved in the attack.

“The suspects were arrested in Musina and the two vehicles used in the commission of the crime were also found and confiscated,” his statement reads.

The two men appeared before the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court today and were remanded in custody until March 22 for further investigation.

The duo face charges of aiding and abetting, conspiracy to commit crime, the possession of unlawful firearms and ammunition, attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, malicious damage to property and discharging of a firearm.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged those with information regarding the whereabouts of the escapees and the remaining suspects to assist the police by contacting Colonel Nyelisani Mabatha on 082 565 8171, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app.