Two rapists escape from South African prison

South African authorities have launched a manhunt for two convicted rapists who've escaped prison in the Eastern Cape province.

Siyabulela Khohliso and Athini Mzingelwa are said to have absconded from the sports grounds of Ngqeleni Correctional Centre on Thursday afternoon.

"An investigation into this incident has been launched by the department. But critical at this stage is the re-arrest of the two offenders," the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said in a statement.

The department is urging the public to contact their nearest police station without delay if they come into contact with either of the escapees.

This prison break comes amid intense media scrutiny of the audacious escape of another man, Thabo Bester, who faked his own death last year before being arrested in Tanzania this month.