Gang-related crime in South Africa is widespread, but it is under-reported outside hotspots such as the Cape Flats in Cape Town or Westbury in Johannesburg. In these areas, gangs are deeply rooted and contribute to continuous violence, drug trafficking and territorial conflict. But gangs have continued to evolve and gang violence has consistently increased throughout South Africa, particularly in Gauteng and the Free State. In the Free State devil worship and witchcraft-related gang practices have been reported. Gang-related violence is fuelled by poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and the need for protection from rival gangs.

Gang-related crime in South Africa is widespread, but it is under-reported outside hotspots such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/heres-how-some-of-cape-towns-gangsters-got-out-and-stayed-out-170485" data-auth="NotApplicable">Cape Flats</a>&nbsp;in Cape Town or <a href="https://groundup.org.za/article/youth-day-march-against-gangs-in-johannesburg/" data-auth="NotApplicable">Westbury</a>&nbsp;in Johannesburg. In these areas, gangs are deeply rooted and contribute to continuous violence, drug trafficking and territorial conflict. But gangs have continued to evolve and gang violence has consistently <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311886.2025.2482117?scroll=top&amp;needAccess=true#abstract" data-auth="NotApplicable">increased</a>&nbsp;throughout South Africa, particularly in Gauteng and the Free State. In the Free State devil worship and witchcraft-related gang practices have been <a href="https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/EJC-144384c373" data-auth="NotApplicable">reported</a>. Gang-related violence is fuelled by poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and the need for protection from rival gangs.

At POWER 98.7 we invite you to join the conversation on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.

At POWER 98.7 we invite you to join the conversation on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.

The best of POWER Zone

After the day’s heavy conversations, POWER Zone tapers down the momentum with long format, reflective and insightful conversations. The show allows for those retiring for the day to take time to reflect on the day’s experiences. Those whose day begins at this time will enjoy the calm pace and amazing insights from the POWER listeners. The discussions, curated by guest hosts, are nuanced and explore a myriad of matters affecting the country, continent and the diaspora with customised themes on Africa, the youth, societal issues and the arts.

After the day&rsquo;s heavy conversations, POWER Zone tapers down the momentum with long format, reflective and insightful conversations. The show allows for those retiring for the day to take time to reflect on the day&rsquo;s experiences. Those whose day begins at this time will enjoy the calm pace and amazing insights from the POWER listeners. The discussions, curated by guest hosts, are nuanced and explore a myriad of matters affecting the country, continent and the diaspora with customised themes on Africa, the youth, societal issues and the arts.