International Journal on Criminology Volume 3, Number 2, Fall 2015 | Page 38

Organized Crime Behind Bars
Promotion is earned through knowledge of the gang's rules and acts of bravery.
The 27s: Legend has it that the gang was created by seven dissidents from the
Nongoloza gang, horrified by the practice of taking wyfies. This gang was once extensive,
but scarcely exists in most prisons today. 38 Its objective is to maintain peace between
the Number gangs and make rules establishing relationships between them. It “renders
justice by revenge and sheds blood where blood has been shed.”
The 26s: Six inmates saved Kilikijane, detained in solitary confinement in Point
Prison (Durban), by passing him bread and salt through a crack in the door. Thus was
created the third “camp” 39 of prisoners, formed under the condition set by Nongoloza,
that their name (number) would be lower than the others and that no fourth “camp”
would ever be formed. 40
Since its formation, the emblem of the 26s has been the Kroon, 41 believed to
bring wealth.
Its members live in “luxury” obtained by theft 42 of property, money and dagga 43
from other inmates and by bringing products of value into the prison. It is forbidden for
them to speak with representatives of the prison administration without permission,
except to make a complaint or demand. Members can never resign, and when they
“retire”, they can never join another gang. Sexual relationships between members of the
gang are prohibited.
Other smaller and more localized gangs exist alongside the Number gangs, who
are generally enemies. This is especially the case of the Big 5 gang, 44 the Airforce, 45 the
Desperados 46 and other minor gangs. 47
38
Except in Cape Province.
39
Synonym for gang.
40
Steinberg, Jonny. Nongoloza's Children: Western Cape Prison Gangs during and after Apartheid.
Monograph written for the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, July 2004, 10.
41
Crown, a coin in the mythology of the Numbers. Used as a gambling chip.
42
“Collect your Blood,” The Witness, February 4, 2005, article in which it is suggested that “thieving”
should be the motto of the 26s.
43
Locally produced cannabis.
44
Created in the 1950s, their main objective was to aid escapes but when their leader, Masondo, was
killed in an escape attempt, the gang decided to work with members of the Correctional Services.
Members of this gang do not observe solidarity, which may be regarded as the cornerstone of the
prison code. The Big 5s are also reputed to wear rubber boots called ganders with which enable them
to deliver violent blows to their adversaries.
45
The main objective of this gang is to escape from prison. Members of this gang hold that, unlike
some of the other gangs, membership is voluntary. Promotion within the gang depends on the
number of escapes or escape attempts made. One of their modus operandi is to start a fight between
two gangs to distract the prison guards. Homosexual relationships are prohibited. Communication
with Correctional Services members is restricted to complaints or requests, as they fear that discussion
may lead to exposure of gang secrets. See Collect your Blood.
46
Recent, unusual and limited to the Cape, almost exclusively composed of colored prisoners. See
“Manual for visitors to independent prisons.” (Section 85-1 Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998,
1998), Office of the Judge-Inspector, Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons in South Africa.
47
Such as the Forty Thieves, Spy 13, Fast Eleven, Flick Styles, Boek 30's, Shy Boys, Fast Twelve, Black
Power etc. Haysom, Towards an Understanding of Prison Gangs.
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