Organized crime is an existential threat to South Africa’s democratic institutions, economy and people. But what is the nature of this threat, how do criminal networks operate and is it getting worse?

To throw light on these questions, the Global Initiative conducted a major study and produced the comprehensive Strategic Organized Crime Risk Assessment report that covers fifteen interconnected illicit markets.

Organized Crime often lies behind and connects numerous seemingly disparate criminal incidents we see occurring in South Africa every day.
The recent mass shootings in taverns across the country or the horrific gang rapes in an illegal mining community on the West Rand; continual outbreaks of violence at taxi ranks; shop owners threatened at gunpoint; the assassinations of whistle-blowers, police detectives, gangsters and game rangers: these incidents are not as random or isolated as they may at first appear.

Launch event:

This event launches the report and, while it paints a disturbing picture, it also points to policy changes and possible responses to reduce the risks caused to the country.

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Facilitator: Prof Narnia Bohler-Muller, Executive Director, Developmental, Capable and Ethical State division, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)