How world sees SA: Criminal gangs add booze, cigarettes to drugs inventory

When Covid-19 containment brought South Africa to a standstill at the end of March, a story emerged on US television that hardened gangsters were using their networks to distribute food parcels to the needy. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these Robin Hoods of the underworld couldn't help themselves when they also saw the opportunity to share wine, whisky and cigarettes on a black market as the government imposed a strict ban on the sales of alcohol and cigarettes from regular retail outlets. The Guardian, a respected UK-based media organisation with a global audience, has picked up on this story to underscore that gangs which specialise in drug distribution, rape and murder are enjoying a financial boom, thanks to the ANC ministers who voted for the prohibitions. – Jackie Cameron

By Thulasizwe Sithole

Prohibition of beer and spirit sales has cut rates of murder and violence but the resulting illicit trade will now be hard to stop, reports the Guardian newspaper. What's more, gangs that have specialised in drugs have added alcoholic drinks and cigarettes to their inventory.

In a feature that focuses on the prohibition on buying or transporting alcoholic drinks and the gradual easing to Covid-19 containment level three, the publication outlines the stark reality that the government ban on booze has facilitated a lucrative black market.

The lockdown is now almost over, says the Guardian, as South Africa on Monday moved to"level three" of five, allowing many more businesses and some public transport to function under strict conditions.

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