Prison Journalism: Some issues to consider

Prison Journalism: Some issues to considerWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.

by Wesley Leong

26-04-2024 10:06

in Prison Journalism

Prison

Image by Pexels

Warning: This article features content which readers may find disturbing

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As an offender, I have noticed over the years, there are some major issues that I came across (some others too). Regarding the death penalty, things we take for granted, lastly five things I missed whilst I was incarcerated. This is a mixed article covering different issues. Please enjoy!

My personal thoughts about the death penalty As a young South African kid, I remember back then how the death penalty was implemented towards offenders and criminals that committed major crimes; murder and robbery were mostly committed and were punishable by death or life. There was no such violent crime about children being raped, along with the obscene crimes that we so often hear about today as it is almost acceptable. Nothing!!!

The fear that was instilled by the fact of the death penalty This instilled fear in the world around us that if you were to commit such crimes related to such violent nature, you would be sentenced to death. If you were to do any criminal activity, you had to really think long and hard before you decided to commit any crimes. This placed fear not only in the community but also in the criminals thinking about committing such crimes!

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If the death penalty was brought back The mere thought about the death penalty being brought back is somewhat scary and frightening but also comforting. It would be completely against any human right implemented in our criminal law system. On the other hand, we as South Africans would be able to rest assured that the crimes committed today would definitely be reduced to a minimum. Let me tell you as an ex-offender and gangster I personally believe that the death penalty would be a good thing as criminals would no longer commit such horrific crimes. Life would take a turn for the better, no doubt!

Daily bread and the small things I took for granted We all take things in our daily lives for granted, believe me whether you know it or don't. When I was sentenced to prison for the first time, I realized a lot of things that I used to take for granted, I had a lot of time on my hands! Number one was food and let me tell you that the food inside prison is no good at all, the level of sustenance is atrocious, and I would not feed it to any human being, not even my pets. Number two is the right to sanitary conditions inside and there is no hot water, no soap or any type of sanitary item you get inside.

Number three was the horrible churning fact that you do not know what is going on outside the walls with your loved ones and family, it will break you no matter how hard you are, number four was the safety issue and if it was going to be possible to leave this place alive and without being harmed. Lastly, freedom, this was very concerning to me as I was locked up and the bars and walls hit home hard when you realize that you have no freedom. Your right to freedom is most important as you really need freedom to accomplish things on a daily basis. Nobody or anything should ever jeopardize your right to be free. Remember this!

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DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

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

This project in collaboration with Restore currently works with formerly incarcerated young men in the communities.

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