LAW FALTERS AS DISORDER CRIPPLES SA

'Criminal justice system ill-equipped'

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

VIOLENT crime, once confined to hotspots, now infects cities, suburbs, and rural communities alike. Experts warn the country is fast losing its battle against organised crime, with police outgunned, the justice system overwhelmed, and gangsters ruling by fear. For millions of citizens, lawlessness isn't a threat it's already here.

Calvin Rafadi, crime expert and Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg, has warned the level of crime reflects a serious deterioration in law and order.

According to Rafadi, one of the major drivers of this surge is the widespread availability of illegal firearms in the hands of criminals who act with impunity.

He further highlighted the role of undocumented immigrants, some of whom collaborate with well-known criminal syndicates, often armed with automatic rifles and explosives.

"A worrying factor in Mzansi is that these organised criminal gangs are operating not only in townships, mining communities but also in areas earmarked for economic investment and even in tourist attraction suburbs," Rafadi said.

"Law enforcement should have dismantled such networks a long time ago; moreover, that many gang members are well known in their communities."

He stressed that the effective way to tackle organised crime is through the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).

By activating POCA against known gang members, specialised units such as the Asset Forfeiture Unit can strip syndicates of their illegally acquired assets.