Gangsterism is an age-old problem that has affected families as well as whole communities. Entire towns and cities have, at one stage or another, had to deal with the scourge that is gangsterism. Innocent men, women and children have – knowingly and unknowingly – become entangled with gangsters. Most have suffered dearly as a result. Many still bear the scars of their involvement; both physical and emotional scars. Countless others have lost their lives, usually in a savage manner and sometimes for something of little or no significance. Those that have tried to get out, have either been hunted and killed, or are now fugitives, living in fear of being found by their fellow gang members.

Over the years, gangsterism evolved, changing with the times, with new gangs springing up, changing or disintegrating. Their modus operandi also evolved with time. Most of the old terminology retained its nineteenth century significance, although much of it became distorted or started to mean something different altogether. Gangs also became more dangerous and violent. Whole communities or sections of towns or cities lived in fear of gangsters. Disruptions and intimidation became more prevalent. Gangs gained more and more power in communities, and they began spreading. The forced removals of Coloureds from District Six in 1966, helped disperse gangsterism throughout the Cape Flats.

In essence, there are two types of gangs – street gangs and organised gangs. Street gangs are usually smaller, of lesser significance and less problematic. These are usually youngsters, who congregate on street corners, smoke dagga, drink and intimidate passers-by. They resort to robbing and stealing to support their drug and alcohol habits. Larger gangs normally keep these youngsters in check, offering them “jobs” – like selling drugs in their neighbourhoods. It is these larger gangs, on the other