David van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorative justice programme.
This is a story about life inside Pollsmoor Prison, full of risks, strange friendships, and the little things that kept us going.Chad and I got along well from the start. Chad was the big boss type, mean-looking, while I was just a delivery guy who knew a lot about prison life. It all started when Mr. D. came to the prison around 3 in the morning, bringing in loads of drugs. From 3 am to 5:30 am, we were flat-out busy, doing everything you can imagine.
He was strict but fair, which is why he was in charge. Prison can turn into a war zone in seconds, but the head knew how to calm things down. People called him “B.B. Big”. You had to be careful what you said around him because he wouldn’t take any nonsense.Captain K. was like an old-school mafia boss. Before lock-up, he’d call me over and say, “Josta, come here. Is everything sorted?” He’d even escort me to Section H, making sure no one messed with me.
By the third day, when it was ready, Chad asked me, “Josta, is the stuff sorted?” I told him, “Ja, it’s good to go.” Everyone got their share, and after three cups, the single cells turned into a party. Guys blasted their radios and danced in their cells. By the time he did, the beer had kicked in for everyone. I asked him, “Chief, do you want to try some Boesman’s beer?” Chad handed him a cup, and he took a sip before walking off. That was one hell of a night!
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