 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2024) |
| Founded | Late 1800s |
|---|---|
| Founding location | Westville, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Years active | 1880s–present |
| Territory | All prisons in South Africa |
| Ethnicity | Primarily Africans, and a number of Coloureds |
| Membership | Thousands |
| Criminal activities | Extortion, assault, rape, inmate prostitution, theft, murder, gambling, smuggling, robbery, contract killing, drug trafficking, weapon trafficking. |
The Numbers Gang is a South African crime organization that originated as an African nationalist organisation. It is believed that they are present in most South African prisons. The gang was founded in KwaZulu-Natal[1][2] The gang is divided into groups — the 26s, 27s and 28s.
It is one of the oldest crime organizations in the world. It also has complex rules and a defined internal hierarchy, as well as expansive folklore. The gang is largely secretive about such topics as well as its history, leading to a shortage of verifiable information.[2] The Numbers Gang traditionally does not operate outside of prisons.[2]
- ^ "History of the numbers gang". The Numbers Gang. Retrieved 17 January 2023.
- ^ a b c "Portraits of South Africa's Bloodiest Prison Gang: The Number". www.vice.com. 13 November 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2023.