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Activities of law enforcement are perceived as destabilising a healthy
relationship between the community and its leaders.
(c)
Collectively acquired benefits as a group that distinguish it from other
groups in the society. Thus, these are not benefits that are equally
accessible or proportionately accessible to other groups. Such benefits
include privileged access to State resources as well as collective
benefits derived from the power of the resident criminal group which
regulates access to the communities. Free access to utilities, such as
water and electricity, are benefits that are the outcome of criminal
power. Consequently, entry to the community is denied to officials of
utility companies who wish to read meters or terminate services.
(d)
High community cohesion based on shared experiences, common
political affiliation, a sense of belonging, and existing in a hostile
environment with many perceived enemies either in the security forces
or in other communities. Protection of self and the community are
therefore accorded high priority.
(e)
This cohesiveness, born of political and social sameness, allied to a
siege mentality, is exploited by powerful criminal groups. They nurture
community support through various welfare-type community
programmes. The Commission heard supporting evidence of this
reality. The garrison thus becomes a safe haven for powerful criminals
and gang leaders become influential community leaders.
(f)
Surveillance and control of entry to the community are other features.
The Commission of Enquiry (2001) highlighted the problem of ingress
and egress by the security forces and the Report of the National
Committee on Political Tribalism (1997) identified this problem as a
feature of all garrisons.