Gangs, diabolatry and witchcraft: towards a contemporary typology of occult-gangs

The Free State province is identified as having the highest occurrence of gangs that incorporate devil-worshipping and witchcraft into their practices. The surge in violence and persistent reports of devil worship, demonic possession and other occult rituals have prioritized intervention strategies in the province. However, limited research and the absence of research conducted with gang members directly, creates challenges regarding the management of gangs and gang violence. These challenges are compounded by the lack of a cohesive typology centered on the inclusion of occult-related practices. Accordingly, the study explores gang typologies, distinguishes gangs in the Free State from gangs categorized in existing typologies, and presents a contemporary typology for occult-gangs. This typology is based on qualitative data obtained through interviews with gang-members, non-gang-affiliated offenders, and service providers in direct contact with gangs. The findings affirm the inclusion of occultism within gang practices in the province and presents an occult-gang typology based on demographics, organization, and occultism as a unique factor embedded in gang symbolism, hierarchy, and practices. The proposed typology contributes to a deeper understanding of gangs and aids in the development of targeted interventions, policies, and reduction strategies which reflect the occult philosophy characteristic of these groups.