NCJ Number
128499
Journal
Southern African Journal of Criminology Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (1989) Pages: 60-70
Date Published
1989
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Inmate interviews, personal documents, and field notes were used to analyze the world of South African prison gangs known as number gangs or numbers.
Abstract
In South Africa, number gangs dominate the prison gang scene. The 28 gang is the strongest followed by the 26 gang; the once-powerful 27 gang is now weak. Gang objectives include obtaining money and goods, assault, and rectifying harsh prison conditions. All number gangs have a quasi-military structure, although each number gang's organization is most efficiently structured to achieve its goals. Gang codes stress loyalty, respect for fellow gang members, and non-cooperation with authorities. Violations are punished by warnings, gang rape, bloodletting, and death. Number gangs perform certain functions for their members: training in gang-related skills; security; and the fulfillment of physical, psychological, and social needs. Although there is often violence between number gangs and other gangs, members of different number gangs attempt to avoid conflict with fellow wetslaners (law beaters). The relationship between number gangs and prison officials is determined by whether the gangs feel they are accorded appropriate respect. While conflict with authorities for its own sake is avoided, assaults on an official may be ordered by gang leaders in order to correct a wrong. 16 notes and 32 references