At least nine inmates escaped from Renk prison in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State on Tuesday, an official said.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, the prison director, Major General Dau Atem Agot said the inmates broke the prison door and escaped from the detention facility.

He said those who escaped were facing charges of rape and looting properties of humanitarian organizations in Maban County last year.

Atem further said prison authorities have set up a fact-finding committee.

He stated that the prison buildings have not been maintained since 1945.