Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for three awaiting-trial prisoners who escaped from holding cells on Thursday.

The men escaped from the Witpoort police holding cells outside Lephalele.

"The preliminary police investigations indicated that these prisoners cut the roof of the exercise room and escaped," police said in a statement. 

The suspects were identified as Jeremiah Mochongo, 34, Lovemore Onward Morera, 35, and Innocent Khumalo, 43. They face charges of  murder.

Police have called on anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the men to contact Detective Warrant Officer Pitso Radipabe on 082 414 2279 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

"The circumstances around this escaping incident are still being investigated."