Cambios redaccionales

Gang typologies have been developed both internationally and within the South African context in order to illustrate the functioning of gangs. Drugs play a part in gang typology. And South African gang typology is said to be linked inextricably with drug trade. Drugs have further played a pivotal role in the formation of gangs and their continued development (Kinnes, 2008;5). As discussed in chapter two, South African gangs are said to have transformed with the onset of democracy in 1994 as globalization took place and law enforcement underwent changes. International syndicates such as the Russian and American mafia and Chinese triads had access to South Africa. Stolen goods became the currency, as South African gangs could exchange the goods for drugs from the international syndicates. Gangs became more powerful as a result of their connection with international gangs. They became more wealthy and modelled business practice on their international cohorts, incorporating more sophisticated and often more violent strategies (Standing, 2005:1).

4.3.1.1. South African gang typologies

Within the South African context, Pinnock (1984) developed the infamous typology of South African gangs. This typology which was explored in chapter two, include the street gang, family mafia structure, syndicate gangs and prison gangs. The link between these gang types and drugs is visible.

Street gangs in South Africa are said to be undergoing transformation. Their activities have shifted towards abusing drugs to supplying drugs as well. Family mafia gangs date back to

the 1980s when they were involved in running illegal taverns within informal settlements and low income areas. The inception of democracy and resulting globalization provided new possibilities. These gangs responded to the new opportunities and were able to expand their business, with drug trade becoming their focal activity. Syndicate gangs are highly sophisticated and cohesive gangs who often are connected to the justice system and thus manage to engage in large scale drug distribution. The final type of gang is the prison gang. These gangs traditionally operated within prisons and consisted of three Number gangs, the 26s, 27s and 28s. Whilst the aim of some gangs is to acquire wealth, the main economic activity of this gang has been described as drug trade (Kinnes, 2008; 3-4).

South African gang typologies illustrate that gangs are linked with drugs, but focus on drug trade. It is of interest to explore drug usage within these typologies as there appears to be little information available.

4.3.1.2. International gang typologies

International researchers have established typologies specific to gang and gang members‟ involvement in selling drugs. Valdez and Sifaneck (2004) refers to four different types of members in gangs.

The first are named the Homeboys. These gang members are drug users or sellers within a non-dealing gang. This type of gang member functions relatively independently from the gang and inflicts violence in response to interpersonal disputes and as a sign of male bravado. This member may buy drugs in small amounts, which is for personal usage and may be distributed to friends and associates. The gang member may work as a sort of broker for associates not connected to the drug market. There is usually a connection to a drug source, someone who is usually an older, more experienced drug user. This individual may have prison gang experience, and is marginally aligned to the gang. This type of gang is motivated by seeking the effects of drugs, rather than the potential profit. Drug dealing is not the primary focus and the gang may be involved in arranging parties and social events.

The second type is referred to as the Hustlers. These are drug dealers operating in non- dealing gangs. This gang member is involved in dealing drugs within the context of a street gang. Profits generated are the gang member‟s own, and the gang offers protection for the gang member as long as he is operating within the gang‟s turf.

The third type of gang member is called the Slanger, who is a drug user or seller, operating within a drug dealing gang. This gang member is excluded from the higher ranks of drug dealing activity and sells drugs in relatively small amounts, mainly in order to sustain his own usage.

The final type of gang member is a Baller. This gang member is a drug dealer operating within a drug dealing gang. The gang operates as a criminal enterprise sustained by dealing drugs. Profits may be distributed among members who are involved in running the business operation. An organised leadership structure exists with Ballers filling prominent positions, where they control the functioning of lower ranks. These gang members are distinctive as they are involved in the trade of large amounts of drugs but remain relatively aloof from visible gang functioning. These members‟ behaviour is covert in nature, thus avoiding attracting attention, particularly from law enforcement.

Therefore a distinction is evident in gangs involved in dealing drugs. These gangs are characterised by a highly organised structure with reliable leadership and sophisticated functioning, the emphasis being on entrepreneurial gains. Gang members further take on diverse roles, dependent on the gang in which they are involved. Gangs may provide the support and protection to members, but gang members may act independently from the gang (Valdez & Sifaneck, 2004).