Prison journalism: Life behind bars: Tale of resilience and unexpected bonds

Prison journalism: Life behind bars: Tale of resilience and unexpected bondsDean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2016 until 2017.

by Dean Mashimbwe

19-09-2023 15:51

in Prison Journalism

Prison. Image: Unsplash

Life as a prisoner was tough for me. I felt depressed that my freedom had been taken away, and I had no one to visit me from the outside. I started losing weight due to overthinking, but as a man, you have to come up with a plan for survival.

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Finding a safe haven The first step was to protect myself from violence. I realized that I had to always keep quiet to gain respect and only speak when necessary. Slowly, I started building friendships with the wardens, and they began to trust me. Nhlakhanipho Sibotho was a female warden who was particularly kind. Even though I was a prisoner, she treated me like her own son. I remember one Christmas day when she brought me a lunchbox full of rice and chicken from her home. At that time, I had dreadlocks, and she bought shampoo and even toiletries and t-shirts for me.

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Unexpected bonds and comfort despite overcrowding There was also a male warden named TA Shakes who loved soccer, and we would often talk about soccer. He would bring soccer magazines to keep me busy. Unfortunately, this period of relative comfort was cut short when the prison became overcrowded, and all inmates were distributed to different prisons in Western Cape, including Mumsbery, Mossel Bay, and Branflei. By sheer luck and perhaps a miracle, I was left out due to the job I had as a visiting cleaner, but I was transferred to single cells-a place where you are always alone with your thoughts. It was during this time that I was initiated to join the number 28.

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Unraveling the code of survival Zulu was an inmate who instilled fear in everybody. He had been transferred from maximum security prison to single cells because of his violence and aggressiveness. Zulu stayed in the room next to mine and wouldn't sleep day or night. He used to talk in Sabela (a coded language) all night long, but, obviously, we were communicating in English. Zulu was Xhosa and fluent in Afrikaans. He told me he wanted to teach me the 28 number, but how could he when I didn't know how to speak Xhosa or Afrikaans? Remember, I was a foreigner. He explained that speaking the number had nothing to do with fluency in the language; it was about understanding the code. We spent about a week as he patiently tried to teach me. I would often forget everything, and he would start over. In return, I was supposed to give him items like sugar, milk, and deodorants. Zulu always seemed to have weed (marijuana) with him, though I couldn't understand how.

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Uncovering the dark secrets of an inmate Rumors circulated that Zulu had been sentenced to life in prison for several cases of murder. He was truly frightening, and even the other wardens were scared of him. He always shaved his head and had a prominent 28 tattoo on his forehead, along with several intimidating tattoos covering his body. Just by looking at him, you could tell he was a notorious gangster. Shockingly, Zulu was the only inmate who secretly had a phone in prison. Rumors suggested that the phone had been smuggled inside by one of the corrupt prison officers.

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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.

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