Prison Journalism: The Story of Bra Jomo

Prison Journalism: The Story of Bra JomoDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorative justice programme.

by David van Nek

22-03-2024 11:51

in Prison Journalism

Prison. Image via unsplash

Warning: The content contained within this article features imagery which readers may find disturbing.

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Today, let's talk about Bra Jomo, whom my brother liked to fight, including the 26s and the 27s. He would stand up in the morning, go to the toilet, and please don't stand in his way. Bra Jomo could start a fight out of nothing. The guys in the cell would complain to the wardens, telling them the wardens must talk to him. At around 8:30 am to 9:00 am, they let us outside to go exercise. We would play soccer or cricket, but Jomo loved soccer. While he was busy playing soccer with us, the 26s and the 27s were planning when and how they were going to attack him.

The Attack Plans Back at about 11:00 am, we would be locked up until twelve. Bra Jomo was well-built and very strong, like a cow. They would start by counting us at 13:00. And at about 15:30 or 15:45, it was time for the master key. Bra Jomo would take a shower. The 26s and the 27s, all of them, locks and spoons by the ward, spoons. The spoons are not allowed in prison, right? Bra Jomo came out of the shower, went to his corner, started to eat, and after eating, watched for a few minutes then went to sleep.

Chaos and Aftermath When he went to sleep, it was on. Maybe about 15 minutes later, about 13 guys went to his bed, surrounded him. Bra Jomo was busy dreaming, and then hell arrived. They started to hit and stab him with everything they had on them. It was a bloodbath. He started to scream for the wardens. Luckily for him, there was a warden patrolling the cell. The officer arrived at our cell and called for backup. Shortly, the men in black arrived. But now, they had to wait for the captain with the master key. The captain arrived, they came in and hit the hell out of the 26s and the 27s. Seven of them ended up in the hospital that afternoon. Some guys ended up with broken bones, broken legs. I am telling you, that cell was covered in blood all over the place. Now, the Fransman had to clean up. Bra Jomo was in the hospital; some guys were there. I wish never to see something like that ever in my life.

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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

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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