Authorities have now started bringing people out of the Pretoria Magistrates Court where 12 were trapped by a fire earlier.

The blaze broke out in the holding cells earlier.

Emotional scenes unfolded as the awaiting trial prisoners were let out of the court house.

Gasping for air with tears streaming down their faces, the 12 men all received treatment for smoke inhalation.

One young man sported a deep cut to his arm but no other injuries were reported.

Rescue workers had to cut through the bars of the holding cells to release the trapped prisoners.

Authorities say they will now sweep the entire building to ensure there is no one left inside.

Traffic around the court house will remain chaotic for the afternoon as several streets are still closed off.