Crime as Business, Business as Crime: West African Criminal Networks in Southern Africa

Mark Shaw

SAIIA: 2003
ISBN: 1-919810-49-8
Pages: 84
Price: R80,00

Many commentators point to Southern Africa’s resident West African population (by which they mean Nigerians) as the source of lawless activity in the region. However, there has been little research on the causes and growth of West African criminal networks operating in Southern Africa. Crime as Business, Business as Crime: West African Criminal Networks in Southern Africa provides an overview and an analysis of the problem.

Given the dynamic nature of West African criminal networks in the region and their apparent rapid growth, such a study is important, particularly in view of the xenophobia which exists among South Africans towards people from West Africa. The study suggests that various strategies are required (including engaging with resident West African communities themselves) to confront this phenomenon.

Funded by the Rockefeller Brothers’ Fund

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