The role played by religion and spirituality in the rehabilitation of former gang members in the Durban Metropolitan.

Abstract

Gangsterism is not a new problem and is not inherent to South Africa alone. However, the problem is widespread in South Africa and within the city of Durban and it is surrounding areas. Durban has been plagued by the overwhelming and increasing number of gang-based crimes. Minimal studies addressing this problem in Durban have been published. Most studies have been on the gangs of the Western-cape and the prison number gang system. It is not uncommon that active and former gang members try to desist from gang life and pursue a path of rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Nor is it uncommon for them try to re-invent themselves to achieve pro-social identities. Religiosity has always been a powerful desister in combatting criminality. It has served as a platform for gang rehabilitation and disassociation amongst gang members globally. This study intricately studies the role of religion/spirituality in the lives of former gang-members by reflecting on the lives of people who had once adopted this aspect of criminality. This study adopted a qualitative approach embedded within the interpretivist paradigm. This study is founded on the Desistance theory of criminology. Data was collected using in-dept interviews with 10 purposively selected participants. The approach and techniques utilized in this study are described concisely to provide a clear picture of how data is collated, and the researcher has used what academics refer to as the “journey motif” to accurately and rationally describe the research setting as well as provide grounds for the research design considered ideal for this study. The findings have shown that each participant had life changing experiences that served as a precursor for desistance and that religion was at the core, filling in the gaps of the lives they once pursued. Findings revealed that life-changing experiences, alongside spirituality and religious practices, played a key role in gang disengagement. Psycho-social factors contributed to initial gang involvement, while desistance was met with challenges such as fear for safety, estrangement from family, and financial loss. Some participants maintained ties with former gang associates despite leaving the lifestyle. Spirituality facilitated identity reconstruction and personal growth. The study highlighted the significance of faith-based interventions in promoting long-term desistance and reintegration.