Middledrift Correctional Centre security officials and police are on a manhunt for a 44-year-old prisoner, who escaped from the facility on Thursday
Eastern Cape Correctional Services spokesperson, Zama Feni said Mzwandile Mpukwana, who was serving a seven-year sentence for housebreaking and theft, was last seen with a group of 10 offenders doing garden work within the precinct.
He said Mpukwana was scheduled to be released in September.
"We would like to warn any person who might see a suspicious looking individual in your area or anywhere, to immediately call the nearest police. What we find shocking in this case is that someone who was on the verge on completing his sentence and due to be released in September could engage himself in an activity of this nature" he said.
Feni said a photo of the man will be released later on Friday.
He also added that an internal investigation into how the man managed to escape has been launched.
