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Experts Call for Gangsterism to Be Declared a National Crisis in South Africa

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1 month ago

November 5, 2025

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Calls for tougher action mount as gang violence devastates communities

South Africa’s gang violence epidemic is showing no signs of slowing, and crime experts are now urging the government to declare gangsterism a national crisis and implement coordinated, multi-pronged interventions. Recent mass shootings, including the deadly attack in Reiger Park, Boksburg, where six people were killed and three others injured, have intensified calls for decisive action.

The FW de Klerk Foundation is leading the charge, saying the government has not done enough to address the problem.

“Gangsterism is a national crisis. Serious interventions are required. It’s deeply entrenched and inter-generational,” said Christo van der Rheede, executive director of the foundation. “This isn’t just about policing, it’s about economic, social, educational, cultural, and spiritual interventions that can break the cycle.”

Van der Rheede also emphasized the importance of community ownership. He believes that affected coloured communities must be empowered to prevent the recruitment of young people into gangs.

A Mountainous Problem with Limited Interventions

Experts agree that the scale of the problem extends beyond a single province. Witness Maluleke, a criminologist from the University of Limpopo, described gangsterism as a cross-provincial crisis with limited interventions.

“We are not winning the war against gangsterism. The system is failing to curb it, and the rising nature of the problem highlights the limitations of current strategies,” Maluleke said.

Social media reaction reflects growing public frustration. Many South Africans are calling out government inaction, while some community leaders are urging grassroots involvement to shield children from gang influence.

Violent Crime as a National Security Threat

Chad Thomas, CEO of IRS Forensic Investigations, argued that all violent crime not just gangsterism should be treated as a public security threat.

“Declaring violent crime a national priority unlocks funding and resources to disrupt criminal syndicates. This includes better crime intelligence, specialised prosecutors, undercover projects, and giving local law enforcement more investigative powers,” Thomas said.

He also stressed the need for a leadership overhaul within SAPS, saying corruption at the top demoralises honest officers on the ground.

“How do you expect an honest police officer to be motivated when some of his top bosses are corrupt?” Thomas asked.

Gang-Related Killings Rampant Across Provinces

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) warns that gang violence is concentrated in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga, but has national implications.

“Declaring a national emergency is a strong step, but the government often reacts instead of acting proactively,” said Willem Els of ISS. “Strategies implemented since 1998 have failed to deliver meaningful results, and a fresh approach may be necessary.”

From Western Cape’s township wars to Gauteng’s Reiger Park shootings, the persistence of gang-related violence underscores the urgent need for a holistic, nationwide strategy, combining policing, social services, education, and community empowerment.

Breaking the Cycle

Experts agree that tackling gangsterism cannot be purely punitive. Interventions must address root causes, including poverty, unemployment, family instability, and limited access to education and recreational opportunities.

Without a coordinated national response and strong community involvement, the cycle of violence is likely to continue, leaving families grieving and communities living in fear.