Mapping crime networks in Southern Africa: A new approach

Current perceptions of organised crime are too rigid and narrow. Effectively disrupting organised crime should be informed by a network analysis that transcends national borders

Current perceptions of organised crime are too rigid and narrow. The definition of organised crime should consider it as comprising a set of core
activities and should also encompass the ancillary acts of those who assist core actors.

To gather information on the reach of criminal networks and establish how they sustain themselves, the authorities should perceive such networks as organisations involved in business. Furthermore, organised crime is transnational and market based, but attempts to deal with it are constrained by state sovereignty.

The effective disruption of crime networks should be informed by a network analysis that transcends national borders, while legal procedures should be harmonised across such borders.

About the author

Charles Goredema is a senior research consultant with more than 20 years’ experience with criminal justice systems in Southern Africa. A lawyer by training, he has conducted and published detailed research work into organised crime and money laundering in Southern and East Africa with the ISS in the past 14 years.