Gangs in Africa

African street gangs are not as organised and tightly structured as the older, established gangs. Yet they are as prominent, brutal and conflictual as their counterparts in the so-called coloured areas. An important feature of the African gangs is their consultation with spiritualists, or Inyangas, in the belief that charms or spells will protect them from injury or death.

Gangs fight for power. This battle is partly an attempt to ‘prove their manhood’.
The macho culture of Africa is the result of a male-dominated and violent society.
In a society where many people are robbed of economic and political power,
the will to dominate others is increased.

Gangsterism provides a way of life for many youth. In the absence of employment opportunities, a social support system and personal security, gang life becomes the next best alternative.

Most gangsters lived from day to day. The constant threat of arrest and imprisonment, gang violence and injury or death undermines their own dignity, as well as the value they attach to human life.

The gang offers a collective feeling of power and strength that encourages gangsters to adopt an uncaring and fearless attitude. Stripped of their individuality and self-respect, and armed with the knowledge of belonging to a group, the enactment of violence and brutality becomes a frequent experience in their lives.

Gangs are also very territorial. Gangsters can safely move around in the areas that are controlled by their own gangs. Controlling a territory also ensures that other gangs don’t rob them of their customers or victims on whom they survive.

Most gangs have their own unwritten codes of behaviour. Depending on the gang, they can be identified by their manner of dress, their language and the gang tattoo.

On joining a gang, each member receives a tattoo showing the gang to which he belongs.

Although the number of women drawn into gangs is increasing, they wield no power.

They are included because they are personally involved with gangsters, or they may be dependent on drugs.

They are also used to keep drugs and to support and serve the gangsters.

Street and prison gang leaders are referred to as generals. This position is often achieved through experience or after having ‘proved their abilities’.The general of a street gang is consulted on issues like betrayal by a gang member, funeral arrangements for slain members and changes in the drug and alcohol networks in his territory.

The use of handsigns is a popular form of communication amongst street gangs.
The handsign usually identifies what major gang affiliation the individual is a part of and the particular gang he is in.

The handsign is also a form of disrespect to rival gangs and has been the cause of gang violence .
Handsigns are usually unique to the gang and vary greatly.

Gang tattoos are the sign of a hardcore gang member.
Besides tattooing , branding oneself with gang signs is a popular form of showing allegiance to their gang.

Usually, the gang tattoo or brand are the same symbols or words used in gang graffiti.

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