Gangsterism

Gangsterism in South African townships is a common occurrence. This has been attributed to poverty, inequality and unemployment.

This phenomenon is well established in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Provinces and poses a serious threat to society.

Earlier this year, government introduced an integrated National Anti-gangsterism Strategy.

MPs were briefed by SAPS about this initiative.

The strategy is based on four key pillars: Human Development; Social Partnerships; Spatial Design; and Criminal Justice Process.

Previously, Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe said that “the main aim of the strategy is to ensure that this matter is not only a police enforcement issue alone, but all of us as communities must be part and parcel of the process of dealing with the issues of gangsters in all areas of South Africa”.

SAPS conceded that whilst there have been successes in combating this issue, the scourge of gangsterism is deeply-seated within the community and will require a complete all-of-government response. Policing was only part of the solution and special attention must be given to the socio-economic factors.

Of concern is the targeting of schools and youth centres as recruitment grounds for gangs. Linked to the issue of gangsterism is the escalation of drug manufacturing, smuggling, trafficking and consumption.

MPs were disturbed at the high levels of gangsterism and gang-related criminal activities, including organised crime. They noted the lack of convictions versus the number of arrests and urged that this be addressed.

The lack of capacity & training of SAPS and interventions in schools were also raised sharply in the meeting.

Lawmakers stated that the operational approach appears to focus on disruption rather than neutralisation of gang activity. A more innovative policing approach is needed such as using 24 hour drone surveillance of drug lord houses. Concern was raised about how SAPS dealt with its members who colluded with gang members. SAPS needed consistent and strong enforcement of accountability and consequence management.

One MP even suggested that if the police were not able to address the problem, then the South African National Defence Force should get involved.