Prison journalism: From Kimberley to Pretoria - A journey of sports, love and resilience

Prison journalism: From Kimberley to Pretoria - A journey of sports, love and resilienceDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorative justice programme.

by David van Nek

27-11-2023 10:09

in Prison Journalism

Cricket ball. image via Pexels

Let me tell you something that I remember from the day I went to Kimberley. I arrived in Kimberley with nothing but aspirations to become a hero. There was a cricket team, but no one knew the game like I did.

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Life in the Cell with Killer Okay, right, I was with Killer in one cell, but you must remember that Killer was a very quiet guy. The only game he knew was cricket. Okay, Killer was the head coach, I was his assistant, and we turned Kimberley into a house on fire. We ended up champions of the league. The guys shouted to respect the wardens of the prison; we ended up number two on the tag.

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Transition to Pretoria I stayed in Kimberley for six months and then moved from Kimberley to Pretoria. Upon my arrival in Pretoria, they already knew about my history in football and cricket. In Pretoria, I played both sports. In cricket, I opened the batting, and in soccer, I played as number 6. In Pretoria, I was the general of the house. By this time, on the soccer field, I was a Black Jesus'; the guys blessed me right and left. That was the way the other guy told me once about the way I play. Later, my best friend told me that his girlfriend's friend wanted to meet King. That was in Pretoria, and I am still in love with her. That lady from Pretoria, back to Cape Town, I was at Medium C.

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Under House Arrest My address was from Cape Town, so now I was under house arrest. I was out on parole, signing parole. I was out for three months, one day the officers came for a visit at night, around midnight or 2, I think.

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Encounter with the Officers So, I came from a party late at night, I was so drunk that day. The officers kicked at the door. I asked what's up, they said open up, and I said who's there. They said open up, you'll see. I opened the door, next thing there were two guys. They greeted, What's up, Mr. van Nek?' I said, Okay, I am alright, you look a little drunk.' Yes, I am.' Okay, we are going to the police station for questions.' I asked them if I was going to jail. They said yes. Okay, before I go to jail, let me drink my two beers.' One guy said yes, the other one said no. After all, they said, Finish up, man.' That was my first time in my life I drank a beer for one hour. The other guy said, No, no, let's go.'

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When I arrived at Pollsmoor Medium C, I lifted weights non-stop. I was a Batista'.

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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