In Their Own Words
Petty Theft
Many of the pre-trial detention and sentenced kids I have interviewed have been accused of petty theft. The saddest stories for me are the ones where kids are released in tattered clothing, boys with shaved heads announcing that they were “just released”, aimlessly wandering with no means to get home. What are their options? Many steal something or other to buy some food and a bus ticket, get caught and end up back in jail, perpetuating the cycle of incarceration. In Morondava prison, the women’s prison warden pointed out two young girls who had just been thrown back for just this very reason. The other jailed women listening in the background loudly echoed the challenges of reintegration into society without adequate support systems in place.
All names have been changed to protect identities.
The photos displayed do not depict the persons described in the narrative.
Recently a new kid arrived looking traumatized. Hanitra comforted him and asked what had happened.
“I was walking down the road and an elderly man asked me if I would carry his “ganagana” (duck) for him. He had just been market shopping and had a lot to carry. I was happy to help him out. On the way another man grabbed me and yelled that I had stolen his duck. I looked around and the old man had disappeared. I tried to explain but was arrested.”
Off to prison, head shaved, terrified and crying. Just fourteen years old .
“I looked around and the old man had disappeared.”
“How can you be in jail for just a few cheap plates? “
“My name is Jaona. I am 17 years old. My parents separated and sent me to live with my older sister to finish my studies. Soon afterwards she married and her new husband announced that they couldn’t afford my school supplies, so I was forced to drop out of school. I have trouble walking because of swollen and painful knees and had a hard time finding work. One day a friend introduced me to a man who offered me a job selling glass plates by the side of the road. Little did I know that the plates had been stolen. The police arrested me and here I am.”
“Were the plates made out of gold?” I asked. “How can you be in jail for just a few cheap plates?!
He shrugged. I was touched by his sad smile.