Prison Journalism: My first two days in Pollsmoor PrisonLincoln Raker was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2013 until 2016 and participated in the restorative justice programme while serving his time.
by Lincoln Raker
20-06-2023 11:59
in Prison Journalism
Prison cell
Photo: Pixabay.com
If I may take you back to the first time I entered prison, it felt like stepping into an entirely different world. I had no idea what to expect or what would be demanded of me. As I entered the prison, the air was filled with shouts from people asking, Who are you? Where are you from? Why are you here? When is your court date? In the reception area, some wardens had to search me.
--
DAY 1 I had to strip naked and stand exposed until they completed their search. Afterward, I was sent to the holding cells where we had to line up and be counted. They assigned me a section name and handed me six slices of bread. Then, I proceeded to my room, where I had to repeat the process.
However, due to my stubborn nature, I was determined not to let anyone intimidate me. Upon entering the room, I started a fight with one of the inmates, unaware that he was one of the main figures in the prison hierarchy. Consequently, they beat me severely, leaving my face in a terrible state.
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: When my dad died, I was stuck behind bars
--
When the guards learned of the assault, they wanted to relocate me to another cell, but I refused to go and insisted on staying. The next morning, we had to wake up early, and as a newcomer, it was my responsibility to clean the toilets and the room. However, I resisted and made it clear that I would not comply. They resorted to further violence, but I remained steadfast.
During the morning routine, when the cell was opened, we were instructed to stand outside while the guards counted the number of prisoners in the room. There were close to 200 inmates in the cramped space. After a few hours, we had to go for our meal, which consisted of a single bowl of soup and two pieces of bread. Initially, I refused to eat anything, hoping for better food.
However, I shared my portion with a boy who had entered with me, and we became friends. Since he had been in prison multiple times before, he guided me and provided insights on navigating life inside. After a few days, he was released, and I never saw him again. From that point on, I had to fend for myself and survive independently. Whenever the prison members had a meeting, I would seek refuge in the toilet until it concluded.
--
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: From father and son to strangers
DAY 2 As we stood in a row, uncertain of where to go, I witnessed pulling, killing, fighting, stabbing, and grabbing. The flow of blood painted a grim picture, revealing how humanity within the prison had been wasted. Each moment carried the weight of unpredictability, leaving us clueless about what to expect and who would be targeted next. The dismal quality of the food added to my sadness, and as I glanced back at the judge, I sensed his deep-seated animosity toward people like me. It made me feel as though I was sinking.
As time passed, I had to adapt, and unfortunately, getting involved in a gang was the worst decision I made for myself. Initially, it seemed easy, but as I climbed the ranks, I found myself with fewer options and more dangerous situations. We communicated using codes to outsmart the authorities. Some may claim it was difficult, but I found a strange enjoyment in doing whatever it took to stay alive.
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: The feelings I hold for Nelson Mandela
At night, I had to remain vigilant, sleeping with one eye open, constantly on guard. I found solace in numbers, as they provided some semblance of distraction. I engaged in almost every activity within the prison walls, except one-I refrained from smoking. Instead, I would sell any items that could be smoked for money, ensuring their safety.
In prison, planning for the future seemed futile, as the environment worked to brainwash individuals. Every day, you were surrounded by the same people and consumed the same monotonous food. It felt like being cornered by a pack of attacking dogs; constant vigilance was essential. Prison resembled a venomous snake, poised to strike, and every inmate seemed eager to engage in fights. Imagine being trapped in a state of uncertainty, unaware of what lies ahead, lacking control but refusing to give up.
DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received
RESTORE is a NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.
Do you have any question 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 060 011 021 1
You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook to get the latest prisoner journalism articles.
Are you a true Scandal!' soapie superfan? Then ENTER our soapie quiz and WIN R1 000 in cash!
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
19/08/2026
As the cost of IP nears price parity with traditional SDI, Reynolds argues that ...
19/08/2026
A private 5G bubble was chosen instead of traditional broadcast RF for the race ...
19/08/2026
(L-R) Rafael Manuel and Isabel Sicat attend the Filipi ana premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at The Ray Theatre on January 23, 2026, in Park Cit...
19/08/2026
Studio owners invited to have their say on rates cuts
The Music Producers Guild (MPG) are inviting UK-based studios to take part in an in-depth survey that ...
19/08/2026
Vintage-inspired desktop interface revealed
Harrison's latest hardware offering sees them head into the world of audio interfaces, delivering a 10-in/12...
19/08/2026
Granular effect remains locked to scale and tempo
Described as your dream granular effect , Minimal Audio's latest creation is capable of turning any s...
19/08/2026
First polyphonic SWAM instrument incoming
Audio Modeling's latest physical-modelling orchestral instrument is just around the corner, and is now availab...
19/08/2026
World Cup Games Generate 84 Billion Minutes Across FOX, Fox Sports 1 and NBCU...
19/08/2026
July brought typical peak-holiday drops in viewership, driven primarily by viewers stepping away from screens and a visible decline in reach across both traditi...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Henry joins BCE as the company accelerates its commercial strategy and expands its international presence across the media, broadcast and technology markets. He...
19/08/2026
iWedia, a leading provider of software solutions for connected TV devices, today announced a major milestone in Android platform optimization with the successfu...
19/08/2026
NTP Technology announces that ST 2110-30 audio-over-IP connectivity with AES67 and RAVENNA capabilities is now available for the brand's world-class audio i...
19/08/2026
Net Insight has been selected to provide its Nimbra platform by the service provider Big Blue Marble, formerly ORS Group, as the core media transport solution f...
19/08/2026
LiveU has supported Coventry City FC and several other top-flight UK football clubs through one of their most demanding live production challenges of the year, ...
19/08/2026
Nature Seekers Documentary Shot with Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF
Brie Clayton August 18, 2026
0 Comments
Filming endangered turtles required camera...
19/08/2026
Neyrinck Brings D-Control Consoles Back to Life on Apple Silicon with D-Control ...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/08/2026
Riedel Communications today announced that Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, Australia, implemented a comprehensive communications infrastructure that brin...
19/08/2026
QuickLink, a leading provider of award-winning video production and remote guest contribution solutions, will spotlight a major leap forward in remote guest con...
19/08/2026
Integrated platform melds media asset management, playout automation and newsroom workflows
EMAM, PlayBox Neo and SNEWS have officially launched Nuvex, a conne...
19/08/2026
Screen Australia releases the Private Investment Toolkit to strengthen screen in...
19/08/2026
Do Aussies truly value local content? Unpacking Screen Currency 2026 with Deirdr...
19/08/2026
There's an early Christmas gift for Bookish fans, as UKTV confirms the re-commission of the hit U&alibi drama, created by and starring Mark Gatiss. Viewers ...
19/08/2026
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Sky gives sports fans the chance to watch multiple liv...
19/08/2026
On Saturday September 5 Katie Taylor will step into the ring for the fight of her life against Flora Pili in front of 80,000 fans in Croke Park. A legendary fig...
18/08/2026
SportStream 2026, a free three-day virtual event, will take place September 15-17. One registration provides access to all three days of live programming and on...
18/08/2026
BeckTV will introduce BeckFlow to the European market at IBC2026, demonstrated on the Providius stand (10.F53).
BeckFlow is a web-based schematic documentation...
18/08/2026
Boland Communications will introduce a SMPTE ST 2110 input option for its 4K monitors at IBC2026, along with a new 55-inch super-narrow bezel display for video ...
18/08/2026
Dolby Laboratories and the Seattle Seahawks have announced a partnership integrating Dolby OptiView into the Seahawks' live streaming coverage, making the S...
18/08/2026
For BMG Executive Producer of Sports Production, Graham Taylor, producing live s...
18/08/2026
TMRW Sports has appointed Rufus Hack as President of Golf, a newly created role in which he will lead the company's golf businesses including TGL presented ...
18/08/2026
SMT will provide race technology for FOX Sports' coverage of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. on August 23, when the NTT INDYCAR SERIES races ...
18/08/2026
The live, YouTube-native roundtables combine fan voices, credentialed reporters,...
18/08/2026
Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, includ...
18/08/2026
The industry legend sounds off on replacing the Heat's iconic Medusa score...
18/08/2026
William F. Rasmussen, the sports fan-turned broadcaster and entrepreneur whose out-of-the-box idea of a 24-hour cable sports network, ESPN, changed forever the ...
18/08/2026
DAZN Group has completed its acquisition of ViewLift, a provider of streaming and digital solutions for sports content owners. The acquisition was first announc...
18/08/2026
The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) has added SI TV, Sports Illustrated's 24/7 streaming channel, as a broadcast partner for the remain...
18/08/2026
The Esports Foundation has announced that the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), originally scheduled for November 2026 in Riyadh, will be postponed to Novemb...
18/08/2026
Diversified has announced a new Global Managed Services Practice, consolidating the company's managed services capabilities into one organization. Rob Mello...
18/08/2026
Appear has completed a proof of concept with Thoroughbred Racing Productions (TRP), demonstrating multi-camera remote live production over bonded 5G cellular an...
Prison Journalism: My first two days in Pollsmoor PrisonLincoln Raker was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2013 until 2016 and participated in the restorative justice programme while serving his time.
