A daring escape from Allandale Correctional Centre in Paarl has ended in heartbreak, with 23-year-old inmate Graine Martin found dead just hours after fleeing custody.
Martin, who had been serving a 12-year sentence for assault and theft since August 2023, slipped away on Tuesday morning while working with the prison’s agricultural team.
Word of his disappearance rippled through Paarl East, as police, prison officials and community members launched a frantic search in Smartytown and surrounding neighbourhoods.
By late afternoon, the manhunt reached a devastating conclusion when Martin’s body was discovered in the Schoongesicht informal settlement, as per Smile FM.
According to Paarl East Community Policing Forum chairperson Edgar Petersen, the inmate had taken his own life inside a shack known locally as ‘Agge se hok.’
Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed that early findings point to suicide by hanging, though the case has been handed to SAPS for a full inquest.
‘Preliminary observations indicate that he took his own life through hanging. The matter has been reported to SAPS, and an inquest will be conducted in line with applicable procedures,’ Nxumalo said.
The motive behind Martin’s desperate final act is unclear. While officials continue their investigation, Petersen noted that speculation online has linked the tragedy to the severe pressures of life behind bars.
Correctional Services has pledged a full probe into both the escape and Martin’s death, vowing to uncover the circumstances that led to the turn of events.
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