Prison journalism: A day about a guy named Frans

Prison journalism: A day about a guy named FransWesley 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

17-10-2023 10:01

in Prison Journalism

Wesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.

Image by unsplash

Before I delve into the day I met someone extremely special while in prison, let me preface this article with a warning: it contains sensitive and graphic content about events that occur inside prison. To convey the message effectively, I must be candid about the following events.

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Frans: A Tragic Tale of Survival in Prison When I was at Boksburg Medium Prison, I was already six years into my sentence and in the early stages of my release process. I was part of a group of about 60 inmates, and one of them was a man named Frans. Frans was a regular guy from the Western Cape, serving a 10-year sentence for murder. He had been fishing with a friend when an argument escalated, leading to his friend's tragic drowning. Instead of immediately reporting the incident, Frans misled the police by making them search the river for two weeks before ultimately leading them to the body.

Frans was known for being someone who meddled in everyone's business and was often taken advantage of by other inmates. Inside prison, it's crucial to mind your own affairs and, if necessary, go without, as not doing so can lead to trouble.

He would often steal from members of the 28, 27, and 26 gangs, which inevitably resulted in him either paying dearly with his prison visits or being exploited and subjected to violence, including sexual assault.

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In prison, it's generally considered unwise to disclose any information about your family's dealings, such as smuggling or visits from the outside. It's best to keep such matters private, especially if you're not affiliated with a gang.

Frans had no concept of discretion and engaged in activities he was uncomfortable with. His experience highlighted how prison could both break a man and rob him of his humanity. He spent most of his day in the gang's company, but my attempts to mentor him proved futile.

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He failed to heed any advice, and his situation went from bad to worse. I learned from his mistakes, and it served as a cautionary tale. To get to the point, I will briefly describe the last few days that led to his tragic end.

Frans was once tasked with transporting drugs inside his stomach from one section of the prison to another. He complied with this request, and it soon became a regular occurrence. However, on one occasion, a member of the 28 gang asked him again, and he refused. This decision had tragic consequences as they kidnapped his son outside, forcing him to stab the gang member. Regrettably, the gang retaliated, resulting in his death. I was in utter shock.

ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Addressing the need to prevent repeat offenses among ex-convicts

Reflection and Morality: What Would You Do? So, my question to you is this: would you conduct yourself in a similar manner to Frans in such a fearful situation? It's a difficult question because, at the end of the day, we all influence one another, but sometimes, it's necessary to reflect on our choices.

I leave you with this thought: would you treat someone differently based on whether they were an ex-convict or a regular person?

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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