Prison journalism: Life Behind Bars: Surviving in a Maximum-Security Prison

Prison journalism: Life Behind Bars: Surviving in a Maximum-Security PrisonWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.

by Wesley Leong

31-08-2023 15:40

in Prison Journalism

Wesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.

Stock Image via unsplash

As a follow-up to my last article, my life took a turn for the worse as, sadly, once again I was incarcerated. This time it is way more serious, and I am beginning to realize it.

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Maximum security prison wow, a phrase you never want to hear or even utter. It's almost like a movie, and as to chat, it seems like, but it's way more terrifying, and it's real.

I am behind massive walls and caged in, like the worst of the worst. Inmates are serving several life sentences and more. It is a dangerous environment to be in, very unpredictable, and almost everyone is on constant alert. You never know when something is about to happen. You sense the tension, fear, and anxiety every day.

ALSO READ: Prison Journalism: Reflections on Identity, Control and Survival Behind Bars

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Surviving the Unpredictable: Challenges and Tensions of Inmate Life I stayed in a two-man cell in Mangaung Prison in Bloemfontein. The whole setup is part of the concrete structure that encases the prison. Unlike before, I expected to wear the orange uniform, but I was issued a red set now. I slowly began to realize that I was getting into serious trouble this time 60 years

As a member of a prison gang, my duties were the same as when I left prison in the past. This time it was way bloodier and came with a lot more consequences too.

The very first time, there was a murder down the hall in my section. I was awakened by screaming and a hard thump.

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In the morning, I was informed that it was a hit by the 28 gang, and the victim was a member of my gang, 26.

You can imagine the duties that were to be completed. Yes, it was to send a message and get vengeance for my fellow brother.

It ended up with me being the means to get to that 28 guy, and the punishment that came as a means to get out was painful.

It was like a tennis game, except there was no love or any other settlement that would be suffered but death.

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Involvement in Prison Gangs: Consequences and Violent Realities The judgment for my involvement was to be prosecuted again and stay inside prison without any consideration for parole.

My day-to-day life is blessed with an abundance of wisdom and pain. I cannot go back and change it, sadly.

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

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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