Gangsterism: the experiences of victims and former gang members in Moletjie, Limpopo province

Abstract

The aim of this study was to shed light on the experiences of both the victims of gang violence and former gang members in Moletjie (Limpopo province). Gangsterism is a problem in Moletjie. Furthermore, the residents constantly live in fear of violence and murder. Two theories were adopted, namely, social learning theory and lifestyle theory of victimization, to understand the causes and effects of gangsterism. A qualitative research design with case studies was employed in the study to capture the experiences of the victims and former gang members in Moletjie. Purposive sampling was used to select eight participants (six victims of gangsterism and two former gang members). Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the data. The participants signed informed consent forms and were assured about the confidentiality of the study. The participants gave the researcher permission to record the interviews; each lasting approximately 45 minutes. Five steps of qualitative data analysis were performed, and four themes were generated. The results revealed that gangsterism activities were more likely to take place at taverns. Gangsterism victims experienced physical assaults, causing residents of Moletjie to feel unsafe. It is recommended that the Community Policing Forum and other community programmes should be implemented to address gangsterism in Moletjie. Community meetings were also found to be necessary platforms for discussing the effects of gangsterism and the role that community members could play in combating it in Moletjie.