The dark, tangled web strangling SA

SA is teetering ever closer to dangerous criminal anarchy. Organised gangs pose an existential threat to the country's democratic institutions, economy and citizens, write Mark shaw and Julian Rademeyer

25 September 2022 - 00:00 By Mark shaw and Julian Rademeyer

Sixty illegal miners snake their way across a hillside into a mine in Mpumalanga — a glowing white centipede captured on a thermal surveillance camera. Further west, just outside Emalahleni, a criminal syndicate targets a train carrying chrome to Richards Bay. Hundreds of people living in an informal settlement nearby join in the looting...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.