Ministry of Crime: An Underworld Explored

by Mandy Wiener

In this follow-up to the bestselling Killing An Underworld Exposed (2011), Mandy Wiener examines the nexus between organised crime figures, corrupt police officials and powerful politicians. Ministry of Crime traces an underworld trajectory from Kebble to Krejcir to Modack. It features new revelations about high-profile, unsolved hits and the intricate relationships between known criminals and police officers at all levels. It delves into the current power struggle between opposing factions in Cape Town’s security industry and the suspected involvement of state operatives in the bloody standoff. Wiener has gained exclusive access to and on-the-record interviews with key underworld characters and police generals accused of colluding with criminals. These have helped her track the parallel narrative of the capture of law-enforcement agencies and unravel how players with inexplicable political backing have been able to pillage secret slush funds and abuse organs of state for their own benefit. Against this backdrop, prominent underworld figures - Radovan Krejcir key among them - have been able to thrive, setting up elaborate networks with the assistance of police. While crime is flourishing, the top echelons of the police and prosecution have been at war with themselves. The proximity of politics, law enforcement and organised crime over the past decade is frighteningly intertwined. The story of the rise and reign of the Ministry of Crime winds its way from the depths of the underworld, via multiple mysterious unsolved murders, to senior politicians and the very top ranks of the country’s police force.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crime, South Africa

484 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2018

About the author

Mandy Wiener is an award-winning journalist for Eyewitness News and Talk Radio 702.

Reviews

[Louise McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It is confirmation that Jacob Zuma has been disastrous for SA and all its citizens. Political interference in organisations that should be the cornerstone of compliance and law and order has been annihilated under his tenure. In fighting between these structures has allowed organised crime to expand and continue unabated.
This is material for a mini series for sure.

[Merryn H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story but not very well written

[Pippa Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulls together multiple strands of the news stories you think you already know, and uses them to create the bigger picture of a criminal justice system that has been intentionally eviscerated for political purposes. It is horrifying, compelling reading, full of larger than life characters who almost seem to believe in their own innocence despite being up to their armpits in nefarious deeds. It's bleak, but not entirely without hope.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

so much information about SA underworld - just a bit too few loose ends for my liking - but thanks Mandy for taking us down this road of deception, corruption and intrigue. I am sure with the new shake up of our Zumas removal and this Bosasa scandal there will be another book coming soon?

[Rudi Ferreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

What great insight!

This book gives insight to the dark underworld of South Africa, from high profile politicians to gangsters in Cape Town, everyone is entangled in a web of criminality, yet everyone will tell you they are innocent. Well written book Mandy!!!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNF. I love Mandy Wiener and this is very well written but I think I'm just full-up on reading about corruption in SA, so after months of this sitting next to my bed waiting for me to finish it, I'm going to shelve it.

[Rozeltte Vermeulen-Crooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been a fan of South African authors, but Mandy has inspired me to try reading more local books
This is a very interesting read and proper investigation on the topic. Mandy gets to the point and the goal of the book is blatantly obvious.

[Jean De Bruyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy Wiener leaves you to draw your own conclusions. Great journalism and well crafted. A must read. Immaculately researched and frightening but GREAT!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book from the perspective of someone living in South Africa who now realizes there is a whole new world out there, that they were not aware of.

[Bronwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insights.

[Mandy Mundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

None fictional into sa politics

[Elize · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, brilliant what an informative book - by my favorite SA author! What an eye opener in crime at the highest levels. Shocking to say the least.

2nd time reading it!