Four prisoners, who escaped on their way back from the Mthatha High Court on Wednesday afternoon were re-arrested within hours.
Police spokesperson, Lt Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela says the prisoners are currently serving life sentences at Wellington Correctional Facility and were appearing in court for other pending cases.
He says it is alleged that upon their arrival back at the prison, they overpowered a Correctional Services official and managed to escape.
Fatyela says a 7.65 mm pistol with four rounds of ammunition were recovered.
He says additional charges of escaping from lawful custody and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition will be added to the charge sheet when the suspects appear in court soon.
