Four men, arrested in connection with a cash-in-transit heist, have escaped police custody using a police vehicle, Eastern Cape police said on Thursday.

The four fled on Wednesday from Wittlesea, near Komani, said Brig Tembinkosi Kinana.

“According to the report, the four suspects were to be transported to the court from Wittlesea when they seized firearms and a police vehicle, before escaping,” said Kinana.

“The police vehicle was later found abandoned in the vicinity of Dongwe. However, the two firearms could not be found,” Kinana said.

The men have also been linked to a rape case.

Kinana asked community members to contact their nearest police station should they spot the suspects.

“The members of the community are warned not to attempt to apprehend these criminals, as they are believed to be very dangerous and armed,” he said.

Once rearrested, they will face further charges of escaping from custody, robbery and theft of a motor vehicle.