WHISTLEBLOWERS AS AGENTS EXPOSING SYSTEMIC CRIMINALITY: A STUDY OF TWO SOUTH AFRICAN PERIODS
WHISTLEBLOWERS AS AGENTS EXPOSING SYSTEMIC CRIMINALITY: A STUDY OF TWO SOUTH AFRICAN PERIODS

Summary/Abstract: The Republic of South Africa’s recent history, and contemporary period, has fallen victim to systemic criminality, which this article argues has transpired across two periods, namely state capture under Jacob Zuma’s presidency and the contemporary period encompassing the capture of the policing apparatus. The full extent of both cases of capture emerged because of disclosures by whistleblowers. Across both periods, whistleblowers have faced retaliation. This article, however, contends that an observable pattern of escalation in retaliation has transpired. It determines that state capture whistleblowers were largely subjected to social and legal retaliation, while policing apparatus whistleblowers have been frequently subjected to physical retaliation (assassinations). This is the result of inadequate measures taken to address previous instances of systemic criminality, thereby setting a precedent in which wrongdoers seldom face meaningful punitive consequences. The recommendation is that the South African state authorities need to react quickly to reverse the trend.

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