George "Geweld" Thomas, a 44-year-old inmate serving 175 years for multiple crimes, including murder, has been identified as South Africa's "number one gang leader" by National Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale. Thomas, also known as "the Lord," has been in prison for over a decade and continues to exert significant influence over the country's gang landscape. His nickname "Geweld" translates to "violence" in English, reflecting his reputation as a formidable figure in the underworld.
Thomas's influence extends far beyond his prison cell, with evidence suggesting that he continues to issue instructions to fellow gang members and has connections with corrupt police officers. A 2022 court judgment revealed that Thomas had allegedly ordered the murder of a target who was eventually killed at a shebeen in the Western Cape. The judgment also highlighted the extent of the 28s gang's infiltration into the police and prosecution services, with some officers allegedly siding with gang members.
Thomas's trial in 2015 was notable for its high security, with bodyguards monitoring the prosecution team and six State witnesses murdered during the proceedings. Despite these measures, Thomas was found guilty on 160 charges and received seven life sentences and 175 years in jail. The trial also exposed the widespread use of cellphones by inmates, with over 33,000 calls made from cellphone numbers associated with Thomas during his incarceration.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, established to investigate allegations of infiltration by a cartel known as the Big Five, has heard testimony from Thobakgale about the extent of gang influence within the prison system. Thobakgale described Thomas as "the number one gang leader in South Africa, popularly known as the Lord," and noted that nearly 40,000 phones were seized from prisons over the past year. The commission's findings have raised concerns about the integrity of the criminal justice system.
The 28s gang, to which Thomas belongs, has been accused of infiltrating the police and prosecution services, with some officers allegedly receiving instructions from gang members. A 2022 court judgment revealed that the gang had penetrated specialized units like the Anti-Gang Unit and Crime Intelligence, as well as the Provincial Commissioner. The judgment also noted that prosecutors' lives were at risk due to their involvement in cases against gang members.
Thomas's continued influence despite being incarcerated has raised questions about the effectiveness of the prison system and the extent of corruption within the criminal justice system. The Madlanga Commission's investigation has highlighted the need for greater accountability and oversight within the system, as well as the importance of addressing the root causes of gang violence and corruption.
The case of George "Geweld" Thomas serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing South Africa's law enforcement agencies and the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing gang violence and corruption. As the country's "number one gang leader," Thomas's influence continues to be felt, and his case has significant implications for the country's efforts to combat organized crime and ensure public safety.
Key points
- George "Geweld" Thomas, serving 175 years for multiple crimes, remains South Africa's "number one gang leader" despite being incarcerated for over a decade.
- The 28s gang, to which Thomas belongs, has been accused of infiltrating the police and prosecution services, with some officers allegedly receiving instructions from gang members.
- The Madlanga Commission's investigation has highlighted the need for greater accountability and oversight within the criminal justice system, as well as the importance of addressing the root causes of gang violence and corruption.
