Prison Journalism: Visits in Prison

Prison Journalism: Visits in PrisonDean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2016 until 2017.

by Dean Mashimbwe

07-03-2024 10:19

in Prison Journalism

Prison

Image by unsplash

When you are in prison, your family is allowed to come and see you. They are allowed to bring outside commodities and can leave money for you so that you can buy things like toiletries, cigarettes, and other necessities for use inside the prison.

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Security Classification and Privileges The security classification of the offender can determine his or her privileges. Some offenders are not allowed contact with outside people, especially the unsentenced prisoners.

My Experience as a Visit Cleaner During my time in Pollsmoor, I worked as a visit cleaner, observing how visits were managed by the wardens. Visiting hours are between 9 AM and 3 PM. Remand prisoners may receive visits on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, excluding public holidays. Sentenced prisoners receive visits on Wednesday, Thursdays, weekends, and public holidays.

Restrictions and Legal Visits Visitors such as lawyers, legal counsellors, and meetings with unsentenced prisoners are strictly non-contact visits. All items from outside are thoroughly searched to prevent smuggling of drugs and sharp objects. Each visitor can see the prisoner for about 30 minutes before the prisoner is taken back to the cells. Visitors who are relatives of inmates in Pollsmoor must produce a South African ID and a passport and are searched upon entry.

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Conduct and Termination of Visits Misbehaving or unnecessary conduct can immediately terminate the visit or result in a ban, depending on the offense. Both the visitor and the offender are notified five minutes before the visit ends. Research indicates that some countries offer conjugal visits to prisoners, but during my time in prison, I did not witness such arrangements in South Africa.

Smuggling Attempts I have witnessed many attempts to smuggle contraband into the prison, including weed, drugs, and cell phones. Such actions can lead to a permanent ban for the offender.

Legal Representatives and Telephonic Meetings Offenders without visiting privileges, due to behaviour or other reasons, may have their legal representative arrange a telephone meeting with the head of the prison to avoid any unnecessary conduct.

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Hospital Visits and Security Issues Visiting inmates in the hospital was complicated due to security concerns, with some attempting to smuggle items through the hospital, affecting innocent visitors with seriously sick relatives.

Educational and Religious Programs In prison, we had groups that frequently visited inmates, including a team-teaching restorative justice, and every Sunday, pastors from outside would conduct church services for interested inmates.

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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