FIVE suspected taxi hitmen shot their way out of the Empangeni Prison on Sunday in a well- planned escape. The men, four of whom are still at large, were being held on charges relating to taxi violence in Empangeni that claimed ten lives two weeks ago. Correctional Services spokesman Philemon Ntuli said on Monday the five men convinced a prison warder to take them to a visitor’s area at 9:35am on Sunday. One of the suspects then produced a 9mm pistol and shot at the guard. He missed but forced the guard to open a cell door, allowing the suspects to flee the building. They were met outside the prison by two armed accomplices, who opened fire at guards stationed at the prison’s main gate. Empangeni prison is notorious for the ease with which prisoners break out. Last month, 31 prisoners sawed their way through the bars of a holding cell and escaped.