The performance of tsotsi gangs and the causes leading to their formation in Mangaung, Bloemfontein 1945-1976

Abstract

Globally there is an intensified concern with those forms of illegal violence and predation, commonly known as 'street crime', committed by youths acting in concert. It is widely held that the numbers of delinquent youths involved in crimes of violence and theft have increased, that the kinds of crimes they commit have become more serious, and that the age of offenders has become lower. Although such contentions are supported by evidence, knowledge of the actual character of youthful involvement in serious crime remains fragmentary and imprecise.