TUMI KEITUMETSE, 25, sentenced to 10 years, and has served four years

“I wish I’d known better than to stay in an abusive relationship, because that’s why I’m here. Women should never stay for the children’s sake, or out of fear of being alone. Leave, love yourself, and if you’re able-bodied, you can definitely make it without him.

I found out I was pregnant while on trial. At the time, my plan was to give birth and hand my son over to my mother to raise. I’m glad I kept him because it afforded us the chance to bond — he now knows that I’m his mother. Raising a child in prison was hard because things like toys and time are limited. I gave him all I could, like teaching him about the Word of God. We also used to pray together.

I initially didn’t get what my mom meant when she said that keeping my son was a big decision, but now I do. My child is a blessing. But, this is no place to raise a child, which is why I asked my mom to fetch him when he was a year and a half.

Letting him go was, as you can imagine, very difficult. He’d become my comforter and best friend. I’d talk to him, even though he couldn’t speak back. I felt terrible for having raised him in a confined space because every mom wants the best for their child. There’d be times when he’d want to play, but couldn’t because the playground would be locked — that shattered my heart. I decided it was selfish of me to keep him behind bars because he hadn’t commited any crime. I’ve since had to adjust to living in the communal cells without him – I haven’t seen him since August last year. I’m here, righting my wrongs so I can be a better mom when I get out.

I now pour out my feelings on paper each time I feel lonely. I’m hoping to, someday, compile all these thoughts into a book.”