At least five prisoners have escaped at Chichiri Prison in Blantyre last night, authorities confirm.

According to reports, the inmates managed to escape after they dug a cell they were in, according to reports, they have been urinating on the walls of the cell to make it soft.

Prison warders are currently conducting a head count to identify and ascertain the figure of the escapees.

Spokesperson for prisons service in the Southern region Julius Magombo, who confirmed the development said he need more time before saying anything.

However, he was quick to point out that one of the inmates who escaped, as been captured.

Magombo has therefore asked for more time to investigate the matter.

This prison break comes days after a man masquerading as a police prosecutor broke out a suspect on pretext he was being taken to court.