
Prison journalism: The use of power in behind barsDean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2016 until 2017.
by Dean Mashimbwe
03-10-2023 08:09
in Prison Journalism
The Use of Power in Prison. Image via Pexels
During my time in prison, I noticed that the exercise of power plays a significant role in controlling the facility, even within the culture of gangsterism.
--
Hierarchy in gang culture There is always one individual who commands fear and authority, as in gang culture, where there are hierarchical ranks such as Sergeants and even Generals, similar to those found in the military. This hierarchy is the mechanism that governs gang culture in the prison. The more crimes you commit, the higher your accolades and rank within the gang. The General holds the ultimate authority, and everyone submits to their command without question. They have the power to take anything they desire from others.
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Free Mind
Violence and control I witnessed a disturbing incident where someone was stabbed simply because the leader of the 28 gang had ordered it. This act of violence occurred because the leader wielded the power to do so. There are also gang members known for their extreme aggression, often referred to as Gabbadin. They are fearless fighters, quick to engage in violence. Incidents where prison officers are stabbed by inmates can often be attributed to these types of gang members.
--
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Life behind bars: Tale of resilience and unexpected bonds
Privileges and corruption While prison food is generally unappetizing, there are occasions when certain gang members receive special treatment, including better food, due to their power and the fear they instill in others. This situation has unfortunately led to corruption and illegitimate activities within the prison system. Prison officers sometimes misuse their authority by engaging in corrupt practices, such as smuggling phones and drugs to select inmates, particularly those with wealthy families.
Segregation and preferential treatment Furthermore, there is a form of segregation within the prison system. When requesting medical attention, some inmates receive preferential treatment, often due to their status as well-known gangsters or their financial resources.
--
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: From maximum to redemption: A journey of change and reflection
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.
Is jy Afrikaans? Kliek hier vir nuus in jou taal!
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
19/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/02/2026
Foundry, the leading developer of creative software for the Media and Entertainment industry, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Griptape, a p...
19/02/2026
Capturing the raw energy and emotional intensity of FX's hit series The Bear is no small feat, especially when the set itself is as hectic and unpredictab...
19/02/2026
Cobalt Digital Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of award-winning video and audio conversion, processing, and distribution solutions, and a founder of o...
19/02/2026
DHD s complete range of digital audio mixers plus the latest-generation RM1 Pro broadcast-from-anywhere unit will be promoted at the upcoming Lokalradioforbunds...
19/02/2026
Operative, the preferred advertising management solution provider for the world's leading media brands, today announced a partnership with GraySwan to bring...
19/02/2026
Witbe today announced the launch of Agentic SDK, a new test automation framework designed to help video service providers build, operate, and scale agentic auto...
19/02/2026
Grass Valley today announced that Network18 Media & Investments Ltd., one of India's largest and most influential media conglomerates, is deploying Grass Va...
19/02/2026
Clear-Com is sponsoring and presenting the USITT Stage Management Award during the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) Annual Conference & S...
19/02/2026
Paramores Hayley Williams Praises Berklee Ensemble: Make Noise Williams acknowledged the Paramore Ensemble after their show at the Berklee Performance Center ...
19/02/2026
Mapping protein production in brain cells yields new insights for brain disease Scripps Research and UC San Diego scientists used a novel method to show that so...
18/02/2026
Audio quality control (QC) is becoming ever more crucial for Olympic Broadcastin...
18/02/2026
The Olympic Games are not only a showcase of athletic excellence, they are also ...
18/02/2026
Netflix is entering the MMA game with a matchup between two of the biggest names ever to compete on the women's side.
Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix ...
18/02/2026
Grass Valley announces that Network18 Media & Investments Ltd., one of India'...
18/02/2026
Cobalt Digital Inc., a designer and manufacturer of video and audio conversion, ...
18/02/2026
Production is divided between a studio in the mountains and a brand-new studio i...
18/02/2026
At the Winter Games IBC in Milan, NBC Sports and Olympics' director of audio...
18/02/2026
The Women's Alpine events at the Tofane Alpine Skiing Center, about a 10-minute drive from Cortina d'Ampezzo, featured some of the most exciting Olympic...
18/02/2026
At the Broadcast Center, 14 audio-control rooms handle the sound in a complex routing and processing regimen
We are exactly where we want to be, Karl Malone,...
18/02/2026
With 300 hours of curling competition in two weeks, it's a safe bet that even the most curling-hungry fan will be satiated. It also requires a production te...
18/02/2026
Always seen as one of the more crazy Olympic events, Bobsleigh is a sport in which athletes must have nerves of steel and pilots must navigate high-tech sleds...
18/02/2026
A typical Winter Olympics day - or should I say evening - inside the Warner Bros...
18/02/2026
The Netherlands has dominated Milan's ice rinks, scooping six speed skating ...
18/02/2026
At the Broadcast Center in Stamford, three discrete intercom systems combine into a centralized infrastructure
Into the second week of Milan Cortina 2026, eigh...
18/02/2026
AI is reshaping operations, capital is scaling ownership, sports are converging with media and entertainment, and venues are evolving into year-round platforms...
18/02/2026
DNA Inc. specializes in crafting next level digital experiences in the Media, St...
18/02/2026
Conflicts have increased, but so have solutions, driven chiefly by pragmatism and the threat of AI music
The only persons on the Figure Skating ice at the 2026...
18/02/2026
Canadian rightsholder deploys its most complex setup at an Olympics ever with ...
18/02/2026
A crew of 1,685 people and 13 control rooms produce nearly every on-air minute f...
18/02/2026
Following an extraordinary 2025 in which he was named Spotify's Global Top A...
18/02/2026
Despu s de un extraordinario 2025 en el que fue nombrado Top Artista Global de Spotify por cuarta vez, algo sin precedentes (y tras su presentaci n en el halfti...
18/02/2026
SBS brings Australians together to mark Ramadan and Eid with communities nationw...
18/02/2026
The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) underway....
18/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...