1. Introduction:
There have been gangs in South Africa as well as the rest of the world since people were savvy enough to form peer groupings with similar values and similar objectives. There are many definitions of the term “gang”, all relatively different, but all share one common thread. It is believed that gangs are formed with a purpose of engaging in criminal activity to support themselves and their members. The first recorded South African gangs were formed in the mines in Johannesburg in the late 1800s among the migrant labourers. Similarly, Cape Town’s prison gangs dates back to the early 1900s (Cooper & Ward 2012:242).
Gangs are not exclusive to one religion, population group or even gender. They are made up of individuals who are looking for acceptance, status (in the poorer societies), or a family structure that is lacking outside of the gang. …show more content…
The key drivers here are status, prestige and protection of territory or turf. They could very well have a gang name, symbols and be well organised with a leadership structure (Sheldon et al 2013:25)
(4) Deviant groups and criminal organisations
There are a number of deviant groups, some disorganised and with no dress code or code of conduct, and others like the Neo-Nazi Skinheads and the motorcycle gangs are organised.
The Neo-Nazi Skinheads have a “uniform” consisting of work jeans, military style or factory work boots and are noticeable because of their shaved heads and aggression towards non-whites and the Jewish community among others. They also utilise symbols like the swastika in their graffiti and in their tattoos.
Similarly the motorbike gangs generally have a badge or “colours” that they display on their motorcycle jackets. They have a strict code of conduct and generally have an established, tiered leadership. Some motorcycle gangs deal in weapons and
There have been gangs in South Africa as well as the rest of the world since people were savvy enough to form peer groupings with similar values and similar objectives. There are many definitions of the term “gang”, all relatively different, but all share one common thread. It is believed that gangs are formed with a purpose of engaging in criminal activity to support themselves and their members. The first recorded South African gangs were formed in the mines in Johannesburg in the late 1800s among the migrant labourers. Similarly, Cape Town’s prison gangs dates back to the early 1900s (Cooper & Ward 2012:242).
Gangs are not exclusive to one religion, population group or even gender. They are made up of individuals who are looking for acceptance, status (in the poorer societies), or a family structure that is lacking outside of the gang. …show more content…
The key drivers here are status, prestige and protection of territory or turf. They could very well have a gang name, symbols and be well organised with a leadership structure (Sheldon et al 2013:25)
(4) Deviant groups and criminal organisations
There are a number of deviant groups, some disorganised and with no dress code or code of conduct, and others like the Neo-Nazi Skinheads and the motorcycle gangs are organised.
The Neo-Nazi Skinheads have a “uniform” consisting of work jeans, military style or factory work boots and are noticeable because of their shaved heads and aggression towards non-whites and the Jewish community among others. They also utilise symbols like the swastika in their graffiti and in their tattoos.
Similarly the motorbike gangs generally have a badge or “colours” that they display on their motorcycle jackets. They have a strict code of conduct and generally have an established, tiered leadership. Some motorcycle gangs deal in weapons and