Prison journalism: Power and Survival in Prison

Prison journalism: Power and Survival in PrisonDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorative justice programme.

by David van Nek

12-12-2023 09:51

in Prison Journalism

Prison

Image via Unsplash

Let me tell you about the hustle and flow. By this time, I was already 10 months in prison. In C section, everyone knew me well. By then, they knew I was a '28'.

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The Hustle with Phones and Knives The day I came from the kitchen with about 6 phones and 12 knives, I charged them R 960.00, and they paid me R 1000.00. But you must remember that was for the 26s and 27s. My 28 brothers didn't know that I was secretly dealing with the 26s and 27s. I made it clear to the general of the 26s that if one of his guys stabbed one of my brothers, I would never help them out again.

Family Visits and Inside Connections I didn't get any visitors in prison because my family was far and wide. My father's best friend came to visit once a month. My brother is a bishop and he told me he would never come to prison. I said to him, Okay, big man, that's alright. You're a priest and I'm a criminal, so you can just send me airtime.' One of my friends worked in the kitchen, so food was never a problem for me. I supplied him with weed and drugs, and he supplied me with good food.

ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Life behind bars - Connections with wardens

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Dealing with the Captain The captain arrived late at night, looking for me in our section. I was already asleep. He said to the boys in the room, Call D.', but some call me Josta'. Remember, there were two Jostas in the cell. So, they called the other Josta, and the captain said, I want the other one.' My close friend said, J., the captain is looking for you, man.' I woke up and went to the captain. He said, This load must go to section A by tomorrow.' It was a bag full of weed and drugs. After the captain left the section, I was alone in the toilet with the bag full of weed and drugs. There was one phone inside.

Risks and Rewards At 3 in the morning, the boys received a call from the captain telling me that I must make sure the stuff goes to section C. Right then, I was the one taking a chance with my sentence. If they caught me with weed and drugs, I would be in trouble alone. The lady working in the money office knew I was busy with nasty stuff, and the guys who received visits week in and week out. Some friends of mine helped me put some money on my property. Come shop day, everyone in our cell was happy. That was more blessings for me. I helped the other poor guys who never received visits.

I was maybe born to be a leader or a captain. I was never caught with weed, drugs, or anything like that, I promise you guys, until tomorrow.

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ALSO READ: Prison journalism: I'm a Father Serving Life in a California Prison

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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