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| Cape Town Crime
in the Early Twentieth Century |
A consequence of
widespread poverty was an increase in petty crime, especially amongst the
youth. Many took the next step into gang membership. Before the Second World
War these were not well organised tight groups, but during the war more
dangerous armed gangs formed.
One of the most notorious was the Globe gang who, typical of
gangs elsewhere, had their own codes, dress, language, territory and women. The
police were afraid to confront them as by 1948 they could muster a force of
over 300 fighters.
Levels of alcohol consumption and drugs amongst poor and coloured residents
were becoming a concern to the 'respectable' white middle classes. District Six
had over 30 bars and bottle stores, and 3d would buy you a glass of Castle Beer
or a shot of Commando Brandy.
The word 'shebeen' began to be used to refer to unlicensed
premises in District Six or the Cape Flats. The drug Dagga (marijuana) was
being brought in from Basutoland and Swaziland, and the authorities believed it
contributed to crime rates.
Young men chose to actively challenge dominant values through
gang membership and action. They gave their gangs satirical names such as 'the
Steal Club' and the 'Hanover Street Burglars Club', and spoke a 'disreputable'
Tsotsi Taal.
Journalists writing about Cape Town between the two world wars
described them as wearing caps back to front, trousers at half-mast, and belts
or jackets displaying emblems to identify themselves as Tsotsis or 'skollies',
literally 'scavengers' or those who do not have to work for a living.
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Early 20th
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