Six Zimbabweans suspected to be armed robbers has escaped from police custody while on transit  after their accomplices engaged South African police in a shoot-out.

According to South Africa Police statement, the law enforcers  have launched a manhunt for the heavily armed suspects who freed the six prisoners during the gunfight.

The risky attack was staged some 120 kilometres south of Beitbridge – a border town near Zimbabwe.

However, police have advised people not to approach the suspects under any circumstances as they are considered dangerous but must instead call the police.

Meanwhile Zimbabwe has the largest migrant population in South Africa as its nationals continue to run away from the political and economic woes at home.

The South African government has been cracking down on foreign nationals, especially Zimbabweans, involved in violent crimes.