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 ...
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...
03/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
03/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
03/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
03/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
03/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
03/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/03/2026
NBC Sports selected Imaginary Forces to create the main title sequence for the M...
02/03/2026
The NFL announces the launch of the NFL Draft Innovation Challenge, a new crowds...
02/03/2026
The World Teleport Association (WTA) has named Skyline Communications' DataMiner SatOps solution as a finalist for the 2026 Teleport Technology of the Year ...
02/03/2026
Ventum Tech announces a strategic partnership with Pixotope, a real-time graphic...
02/03/2026
Victory , a free, ad-supported sports streaming service, announces the launch of...
02/03/2026
Global powerhouse Delta Goodrem to represent Australia at this year's Eurovi...
02/03/2026
SBS brings together prominent voices to discuss rising social division and seek ...
02/03/2026
NITV Unveils Wednesday Night Sport Night
Media releases
A Midweek Hub for Blak Sport
Flagship NRL program Over The Black Dot moves to Wednesdays at 9:30pm
...
02/03/2026
Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates FR1-FR3 carrier aggregation, advancing 6G readiness Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. have reached another pivotal ...
02/03/2026
MELBOURNE, Fla., March 2, 2026 - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announc...
02/03/2026
Harvey Norman tops New Zealand's biggest ad spenders as retail leads and telcos and beverages sure Auckland March 3, 2026 - Nielsen's New Zealand'...
02/03/2026
aconnic AG (ISIN: DE000A0LBKW6), Munich, and Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, A...
02/03/2026
Advanced Systems Group, LLC (ASG), a technology and services provider for media creatives and content owners, has appointed Jody Boatwright as Chief Strategy Of...
02/03/2026
Lightware, an industry leader in signal management, is reinforcing its commitment to simplifying complex AV environments with the continued evolution of its TPN...
02/03/2026
ZEISS Cinema opens its doors to an exclusive screening, filmmakers Q&A and hands-on showcase of the new ZEISS Aatma lens family on Tuesday, March 10, 6:00-9:00 ...
02/03/2026
To expand the creative potential of the compact Astera QuikBeam, DoPchoice introduces the SNAPBAG Round. The new light-shaping accessory transforms the powerfu...
02/03/2026
Douglas Dubler
On a rooftop in New York City, veteran photographer Douglas Dubler watched the sun's angle shift across the urban landscape, his internal cl...
02/03/2026
ZEISS is expanding its Otus ML lens family with the introduction of the new ZEISS Otus ML 1.4/35. This manual-focus lens is designed for photographers who live ...
02/03/2026
Matthews Studio Equipment now offers the new Dinkum Systems White FlexiMount and Phone Mount Kit, a compact, highly adaptable setup for mobile content creation...
02/03/2026
Luxembourg, February 26, 2026 - SES and Africa Mobile Network (AMN) have expande...
02/03/2026
02 03 2026 - Media release Ausfilm and Screen Australia launch joint UK market initiative
Ausfilm and Screen Australia have announced Partner with Australia (...
02/03/2026
Monday 2 March 2026
Saturday Night Live UK announces writing team
L-R: Jonno Johnson; Charlie Skelton; Celya AB; Omar Badawy; Gr inne Maguire; Laura Claxton; ...
02/03/2026
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils the Trailer for 53 Sundays, the New Film by Cesc Gay
Entertainment
02 March 2026
GlobalSpain
Link copied to clipboard
Dis...
28/02/2026
With two features seen in Formula 1 coverage, the broadcaster aims to bring view...
28/02/2026
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addresses a crowd of approximately 1,500 L3Harris employees in Camden, Arkansas, as part of his Arsenal of Freedom tour....
28/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
28/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
28/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
28/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
28/02/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
28/02/2026
Berklee Presents Mambo Mania: Eguie Castrillo and the Berklee All-Stars Big Band...
28/02/2026
Berklee Announces Two New Summer Programs in Los Angeles The Berklee Music Business Program and Electronic Music Production and Sound Design Workshop bring imme...
28/02/2026
AI-RAN is moving from lab to field, showing that a software-defined approach is ...
28/02/2026
Autonomous networks - intelligent, self-managing telecommunications operations -...
28/02/2026
Back to All News
Final Trailer for BEASTARS Final Season Part 2' Roars Tow...
28/02/2026
New way to intentionally discover molecular glues could expand drug discovery Scripps Research scientists and colleagues show how drugs that eliminate certain d...
27/02/2026
The E.W. Scripps Company names Oliver Gray as Vice President, Network Sports and...
27/02/2026
The Gotham Sports App, the exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming home of MSG Networks and the YES Network, is now available for purchase through Prime Video fo...
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.
