Seven 'dangerous' inmates escape from SA prison

South African police have launched a manhunt for seven inmates who have escaped from a prison in Grahamstown, a city in the Eastern Cape province.

According to a police statement, an officer who came on duty at 04:00 local time noticed some lights were on at the Makhanda Correctional facility and found that the prisoners had escaped through a window.

"Police are warning the community that these prisoners are dangerous and should not be approached instead police must be contacted," the statement said.

The escapees include one person charged with murder and five Zimbabwean nationals either imprisoned for or facing rhino-poaching charges.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Twitter / @SAPoliceService