On Tuesday, 9 September 2025, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed a tragic incident at the Allandale Correctional Centre in the Western Cape: an inmate, Graine Martin, escaped custody during his work detail and was subsequently found dead.
Martin, aged either 24 or 29, depending on the report, was serving a 12-year sentence for three counts of assault and theft. He had been admitted to the facility on 29 August 2023.
At the time of the escape, Martin was assigned to the prison’s agricultural work team, a routine custody program allowing inmates to work outdoors under supervision. It was during this external activity that he managed to flee the facility.
Almost immediately following the escape, a manhunt began, involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), Correctional Services staff, and community members. The search focused on nearby areas, with residents alerting authorities to possible sightings, which guided the response.
Tragically, Martin’s body was discovered just hours later. Initial reports suggest that he took his own life by hanging, with preliminary observations pointing toward suicide as the cause of death. In one account, the body was found inside a shack in the Schoongesicht informal settlement, referred to locally as “Agge se hok”.
In response, DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo expressed that the department was “deeply concerned” by the incident and described the escape and subsequent death as “regrettable.” He confirmed that an inquest has been opened, with SAPS taking the lead, and a full-scale investigation underway to determine exactly how the escape occurred and what factors contributed to the tragedy.
Media outlets across South Africa reported on the incident. IOL summarized the timeline and confirmed that Martin fled while working outside and was later found dead, mentioning the ongoing investigation. News24 and The Citizen echoed similar details, including his sentence length, date of incarceration, escape during agricultural duties, and the inquest process.
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in work-detail escape programs, even those designed for rehabilitation and reintegration. The escape and subsequent suicide highlight the urgent need to evaluate security protocols, inmate mental health monitoring, and support services during external activities.
As investigations continue, DCS faces pressure to reconcile its rehabilitation goals with the imperative of ensuring public safety and maintaining strict oversight during inmate movement outside secured facilities.
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