Prison journalism: Challenges in Pollsmoor Prison

Survival in prison is always tough, especially when you are a non-gang member; it’s a survival of the fittest. In Pollsmoor, prisoners are treated worse than animals. There are lice, grime, broken toilets, and only six hours for visitors. The rivalry between Number gangs and FRANSEs is very serious.

Gang Dynamics: Numbers vs. FRANSE

The Numbers gangs refer to themselves as “ndodas” (men) and refer to non-gang members as “franse.” The “franse” is stripped of their juridical personhood and is not seen as a human by the gangs. During my time in Pollsmoor, I discovered that it is almost obligatory to belong to a gang to ensure one’s safety and protection. “Franse” (non-gang members) were treated poorly in prison and were required to work for gang members by washing their clothes and doing other chores. I also experienced that gangs provided discipline and control within the prison.

ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Things that still stick with you once you’re out of prison

The Persistence of Gang Culture

From my perspective, based on what I have seen in prison, it is impossible to stop gangs within the prisons as they have been in existence for a very long time, and the traditions are passed on from generation to generation. In addition, the gang culture is prevalent within the community outside, especially within the Western Cape, where there is a strong relationship between civilian and prison gangs. I have seen that because they have few opportunities to keep busy in prisons through work or study, they have little else to occupy themselves with other than gang business. At Pollsmoor, gangs are not recognized by the management, and attempts are made to discourage gang membership. However, the management of the prison has acknowledged that they are not succeeding in diminishing gang activity, as the problem is not only within the prison environment but is also reinforced by the external communities.

The Pervasive Drug Problem

Drugs are widely available within Pollsmoor. Some are smuggled in by members, while others are brought in by offenders, especially when they are escorted by the police to court cells. I remember members being arrested for drug smuggling within Pollsmoor. Sometimes, contractors working on the RAMP projects are also responsible for providing drugs to the offenders. At the Juvenile Section, the prison cells are closer to the female section, so we would stand at the window and talk and shout to each other. Female offenders stated that there were no gangs in their section; however, they had access to drugs of all types within the prison.

ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Free Mind…

Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE 

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

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

If you have any questions you would like to ask our prison journalists, WhatsApp us on 060 011 0211.

Do you have contact with a prison inmate who would like to write for The South African website? If so, send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com or a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook to get the latest prison journalism articles.