A prison escape in the Western Cape ended in the death of 23-year-old inmate Graine Martin, just hours after fleeing from Allandale Correctional Centre in Paarl. 

The Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo, confirmed that Martin, who was serving a 12-year sentence for assault and theft, managed to escape on Tuesday morning while working as part of the prison’s agricultural team.  

He had been admitted to custody in August 2023. 

News of his escape spread rapidly across Paarl East. Police officers, prison officials and residents launched a widespread manhunt in Smartytown and other nearby areas in search of him.  

By late afternoon, the search came to a tragic end when the escapee’s body was discovered in the Schoongesicht informal settlement, said Paarl East Community Policing Forum Chairperson, Edgar Petersen, in a Die Son article. 

Petersen said Martin had hung himself inside a shack locally known as “Agge se hok”. 

Authorities say initial observations suggest he took his own life, although a formal investigation will now be conducted. 

“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,” confirmed Nxumalo. 

The reasons behind Martin’s decision remain unknown. While officials are treating the case as suicide, Petersen said speculation on social media has linked the escapee’s actions to the harsh realities of prison life. 

“A full-scale investigation is to be instituted to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape and subsequent death of the offender,” said Nxumalo.