A look into South Africa's gangs: Jonathan Ancer in conversation with Liz McGregor, Mark Shaw and Caryn Dolley

Loading player...
A look into South Africa's gangs

Author Jonathan Ancer is in conversation with Liz McGregor, Mark Shaw and Caryn Dolley for this episode of Pagecast.

The episode delves into the lastest books by Liz, Mark and Caryn, which all touch on the role that gangs play in South Africa, personal dealings with gangs and the operations within.

Unforgiven, by Liz McGregor, tells a story seldom told: what happens to a family when one of their own is murdered? In a country where, year upon year, tens of thousands of people lose a loved one to violence. Where restorative justice is preached but not practiced. Where prisons are universities of crime. What would it take to achieve redemption? For the victim, the perpetrator and the country?

Give us more Guns, by Mark Shaw, is based on hundreds of interviews with police, experts and the gangsters themselves, telling the story of this callous crime for the first time. Shaw explores how the guns get into the hands of South Africa's crime bosses and describes the bloodshed that ensues. He also uncovers accounts of rampant corruption within the police and in the state's gun-licensing system, probing the government failure that has been instrumental in arming the country's gangsters.

To The Wolves: How Traitor Cops Crafted South Africa’s Underworld, by Caryn Dolley, tells the true-life story of how South Africa’s underworld came to be, what continues to fuel it today and how the deception and lies go all the way to the top.

Enjoy the episode!
23 May 2022 English South Africa Books · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Pagecast at Kingsmead Book Fair: Nozipho Tshabalala

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Nozipho Tshabalala sat down with Mpumi Mgidlana from Jonathan Ball Publishers to talk about her memoir, After the Fires: Unlocking the Power of Letting Go. In this episode, Nozipho reflects on the question at the heart of her book: when the…
8 Jun 16 min

Pagecast at the Kingsmead Book Fair: Sally Andrew

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Sally Andrew sat down with Faye Knight from Jonathan Ball Publishers to talk about the latest instalment in her beloved Tannie Maria mystery series, Wild Things Never Die. In this episode, Sally shares what keeps drawing her back to Tannie Maria…
5 Jun 11 min

Pagecast at Kingsmead Book Fair: Caitlin Venniker

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Caitlin Venniker sat down with Kelly Mawa from Jonathan Ball Publishers to talk about her debut book, Unleashed. In this episode, Caitlin shares the stories and experiences behind the book -- a candid look at life as a South African vet…
4 Jun 6 min

Pagecast at Kingsmead Book Fair: Karabo Poppy

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where Karabo Poppy sat down with Gontse Mosiane from Jonathan Ball Publishers to talk about her latest book, Hugged by The Night. In this episode, Karabo shares the vision and inspiration behind the work -- a celebration of the African aesthetic told…
3 Jun 12 min

Pagecast at Kingsmead Book Fair: David Mann

Pagecast recorded live at the Kingsmead Book Fair, where David Mann sat down with Maryam Adams from Jonathan Ball Publishers to discuss his debut short fiction collection, Once Removed. In this episode, David reflects on the stories behind the collection -- a sharply observed body of work that has already…
2 Jun 13 min