LISTEN: Warning for residents after prisoners escape on the N3 near Mooi River
The hunt for eight escaped prisoners has gained momentum - after they broke free while being transported on the back of a truck from Ladysmith towards Pietermaritzburg.
KZN police are being led by sniffer dogs through the bushes off the N3 - in the vicinity of Mooi River.
Alerts were initially received through East Coast Radio's traffic hotline.
Speaking to Newswatch, a farmer in the area says authorities have warned residents and motorists there to be extra cautious.
Confirming the incident, the police's Thulani Zwane says investigations into the escape are underway.
*This is a developing story