Six Zimbabweans escape from prison in South Africa

Six Zimbabweans, all suspected armed robbers, escaped from custody while on transit on Monday morning after their accomplices engaged South African police in a shoot-out, local media reported.

In a statement, South African police said they have launched a manhunt for the “heavily armed” suspects who freed the six prisoners during the gunfight.

The daring attack was staged some 120 kilometres south of Beitbridge – a border town near Zimbabwe.

“People are advised not to approach the suspects under any circumstances as they are considered dangerous but must instead call the police,” South African police said.

Zimbabwe has the largest migrant population in South Africa as its nationals continue to run away from the political and economic woes at home.

The South African government has been cracking down on foreign nationals, especially Zimbabweans, involved in violent crimes, reports said.