Seven awaiting trial prisoners killed a policeman and escaped from the Theunissen police cells in the northern Free State on Tuesday, police said.
Inspector Stephen Thakeng said the men apparently overpowered and strangled Inspector Johas Tesa (35) when he visited the cells.
Two men were arrested shortly afterwards in the vicinity of Senekal.
Four women, related to one of the arrested men, were apprehended for harbouring and concealing a suspected criminal. The women, aged between 21 and 58, would appear in a local court on Wednesday, Thakeng said.
The five other prisoners are still on the run.
Anyone with information that would lead to the capture of the men should contact Captain Motsamai Mabeleng on 083-631-6231 or 08600-10-111. – Sapa