Vigilantism: a theoretical perspective as applied to people's courts in post-1994 South Africa
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Date
2011
Authors
Swanepoel, M. P.
Duvenhage, A.
Coetzee, T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State
Abstract
The article investigated vigilantism as phenomenon in South Africa. A metatheoretical framework was developed through which the constructed contextual and specific criteria were tested against one case study on people’s courts. The probability of the occurrence of vigilantism is more likely if the following context criteria are present Society experiences a state in disequilibrium, the state is dysfunctional, power vacuums exist and high levels of violence occur. People’s courts have been a continuous phenomenon in post-1994 South Africa. People’s courts qualify as vigilante groups and the context in which they occur is in line with the identified context criteria. This research has shown that vigilantism is a reality in post-1994 South Africa and a real threat to the authority of the state and requires the state’s attention and immediate action.
Description
Keywords
Vigilantism, People’s courts, Vigilante organisations, Post-1994 South Africa
Citation
Swanepoel, M. P., Coetzee, T., & Duvenhage, A. (2011). Vigilantism: a theoretical perspective as applied to people's courts in post-1994 South Africa. Journal for Contemporary History, 36(1), 114-133.