Convicted prisoner escapes, found dead hours later amid overcrowding concerns

WHILE Parliament heard horror stories about South Africa's prisons yesterday, a convicted bandit escaped custody in the Western Cape - only to be found dead hours later.

- BRANDON NEL

The Department of Correctional Services said Graine Martin, who was serving 12 years for assault and theft, fled while working outside the prison as part of its agricultural programme.

“Martin was part of the agricultural team when he made his escape. He was serving a 12-year sentence for three counts of assault and theft, having been admitted on August 29, 2023,” spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo said.

Though an investigation was still under way, preliminary reports suggested Martin took his own life by hanging.

His escape and death come amid growing alarm over violence and overcrowding in the country’s prisons.