The South African government has launched a new national plan to tackle gang violence, particularly in the Western Cape, recognizing organised crime as an existential threat. Led by the ministers of justice and police, the strategy aims for coordinated disruption of criminal networks through enhanced intelligence and multi-agency efforts. However, experts stress the need for social interventions alongside law enforcement to break the cycle of violence.
Organised crime, including frequent mass shootings in impoverished areas and assassinations of professionals, poses a severe threat to South Africa's prosperity. The Western Cape's gang violence exemplifies this crisis, described as a social and economic emergency that ruins lives and erodes trust in institutions.
Gangs, long tied to drug dealing, illegal gambling, and the nightlife economy, have expanded into national and transnational networks. They traffic drugs and firearms, launder money, and infiltrate government procurement, hijack infrastructure projects, and influence politics. Gang leaders often pose as legitimate business owners while enabling extortion and killings.
In response, Cabinet has approved extraordinary measures. The new anti-gang plan, announced recently under the joint leadership of the ministers of justice and police, targets gang violence in the Western Cape and other provinces. It shifts from isolated raids—which have yielded arrests and seizures but failed to dismantle networks—to a permanent disruption strategy. This involves targeting gang hierarchies, from bosses to foot soldiers, and seizing their financial assets.
The plan builds on existing law enforcement capabilities, incorporating the Financial Intelligence Centre, South African Revenue Service, and Special Investigating Unit. Additional funding from the Criminal Asset Recovery Account supports efforts against networks in sectors like construction, mining, and transport. Engagement with private sector and civil society partners is underway, alongside independent research to map gang structures and evaluate outcomes.
High-profile cases underscore the strategy's focus, such as Nafiz Modack and 14 co-accused facing 122 charges, including murder and money laundering. Modack was convicted of corruption in September and sentenced to 10 years.
While the initial phase centers on the Western Cape, the plan is part of a broader anti-organised crime effort. It recognizes communities as active participants, involving civil society and religious groups. Yet, the article warns that law enforcement alone risks creating vacuums filled by new violent actors. Many youths join gangs due to unemployment, poor schooling, and social alienation, necessitating investments in jobs, education, recreational spaces, and family support.
As the Madlanga Commission and parliamentary committee probe criminal infiltration of the justice system, the plan demands balanced action. 'The time for rhetoric has passed; now is the time for an honest long-term commitment, backed by resources, credible metrics and the political will to change course,' the piece concludes.