A police hunt for seven prisoners who shot dead a warder and escaped from the Barkly East prison was continuing, Eastern Cape police said today.
"A task team has been formed to investigate the incident. The remaining seven have not been arrested yet," spokeswoman Lt-Col Sibongile Soci said.
At least 11 prisoners escaped from the centre on Saturday afternoon. Four of them were re-arrested yesterday on farms around the area.
The prisoners took the warders hostage and stole a firearm from a safe. On their way out they shot dead a warder in the courtyard. Four other warders were injured.
Correctional services spokesman Zama Feni said the shot warder was Mzukisi Michael Dusubana, 54.
"The escapees are dangerous as they have at least one firearm with them. We advise the public to report them to the nearest police station and not to approach them."
Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele sent condolences to Dusubana's family.
"I also wish those officials injured during the hostage incident a speedy recovery. The killing of a law enforcement officer cannot be tolerated."