Eyewitness News (EWN) has learnt that three convicted murderers are on the run after escaping from the High Court in Johannesburg.

The men were part of a group of four who had just been sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for killing a Lawley family in southern Johannesburg in August 2016.

But the three made a run for it before they could be transported to jail.

Highly placed sourced have told EWN that the three men - who were in shackles - were able to escape from the High Court on Thursday.

It's understood the convicted murderers had weapons on them which they used to attack officers escorting them to a police van.

The escape has raised concerns and questions about safety and security regarding prisoners.

It came just three days after 16 inmates broke free from a Johannesburg prison, two were shot dead in KwaZulu-Natal.

At least 14 others remain at large.

EWN has reached out to the police, Correctional Services and the Justice Ministry for comment on the court escape.

EWN