ORGANISED CRIME IN POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies examines the growth of organised crime in South Africa following the transition to democracy in 1990. It analyzes the factors contributing to this growth, the nature of local and international syndicates, and the systemic weaknesses within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the broader criminal justice system that hinder effective countermeasures.

• Organised crime in South Africa grew significantly during the transition to democracy starting in 1990, with tentative estimates suggesting it has doubled under the new government. The South African Police Service (SAPS) identifies a number of "extremely well financed and superbly armed" crime syndicates, nearly half of which are based in or around Johannesburg.
• As of the reporting period, the SAPS identifies 192 organised crime syndicates with 1,903 primary suspects under surveillance. These groups primarily specialise in drug trafficking (96 syndicates), vehicle-related crimes (83 syndicates), and commercial crime (60 syndicates). Additionally, the SAPS has identified approximately 500 'target groups'—potential criminal organisations—with 1,184 primary suspects.
• South Africa has become a major transshipment point for narcotics due to its geographic position, porous borders, and modern infrastructure. Regional instability also plays a role; Mozambique is noted as a major transit point for heroin, hashish, and mandrax, as well as a primary source of illegal firearms for the region.
• International criminal groups have established a presence in South Africa. Nigerian groups have seen "phenomenal" growth, particularly in inner city Johannesburg. The Russian Mafia focuses on diamond and weapon smuggling, fraud, and money laundering across several Southern African states. Chinese Triads are linked to illegal immigration and the smuggling of endangered species, such as abalone.
• The state's capacity to fight organised crime is severely hampered by institutional weaknesses, including a lack of skilled detectives and widespread corruption. In 1996, approximately 2,834 police officers were investigated for criminal offences, and press reports suggest one in four officers in the Johannesburg area was under investigation that year.
• The unregulated transport sector, specifically the mini-bus taxi industry, has become a breeding ground for organised crime. This includes the use of 'hit squads' to eliminate competitors and the corruption of state officials to protect profitable routes.
• There is a documented link between former apartheid security forces and organised crime. Some former operatives from special forces have transitioned into drug trafficking, weapon smuggling, and prostitution rings, leveraging their experience in covert operations.

APA

Shaw, M. (1998). ORGANISED CRIME IN POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Paper_28.pdf

Chicago

Shaw, Mark. ORGANISED CRIME IN POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA. Institute for Security Studies, 1998. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Paper_28.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Shaw |first1=Mark |title=ORGANISED CRIME IN POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |date=January 1998 |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Paper_28.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{shaw1998organised, author = {Shaw, Mark}, title = {{ORGANISED CRIME IN POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, year = {1998}, month = jan, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/Paper_28.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }