"They escaped through a pipe shaft and used an object to break the wall, then proceeded to the fence," said correctional services department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.
He said the escape happened around 03:00 from Medium A Johannesburg Correctional Centre.
The group had been housed in the awaiting trial section.
None of the escapees
Nxumalo said the department took the matter very seriously and a manhunt has been launched. DM