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SA Crime Quarterly
On-line version ISSN 2413-3108
Print version ISSN 1991-3877
Abstract
VAN DER LINDE, Delano. The criminalisation of gang activity in South Africa: Re-assessing the rationale. SA crime q. [online]. 2020, n.69, pp.35-44. ISSN 2413-3108. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2413-3108/2020/i69a6464.
Criminal gang activity presents a substantial threat to the safety and security of, in particular, the inhabitants of the Cape Flats in Cape Town. The State has intervened legislatively through the form of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998. This is somewhat of a 'super-criminalisation' given that similar common law and statutory measures already existed prior to the promulgation of the Act. What is the rationale for the criminalisation of gang activity in South Africa? Furthermore, if there is sufficient rationale for this super-criminalisation, is there sufficient basis to argue for the additional responsibility of gang leaders, which is currently left uncovered by the Act?