Law and Disorder in Johannesburg

Law and Disorder in Johannesburg follows Louis Theroux as he investigates the complex relationship between crime, private security, and vigilantism in South Africa’s largest city. It showcases the extreme measures taken by residents and security firms to combat the high crime rates that plague Johannesburg.

Theroux accompanies heavily armed private security contractors who have filled the void left by an overwhelmed and underfunded police force. These contractors operate in a legal gray area, often employing aggressive tactics to protect their clients and reclaim properties from criminal gangs. The film highlights the controversial methods used by companies like Mapogo, where suspects are beaten with leather whips as a form of punishment and deterrent.

The documentary also delves into the dangerous world of “hijacked” buildings in Johannesburg’s city center. Theroux witnesses dramatic evictions carried out by security companies like Bad Boyz Security, who forcibly remove illegal occupants from properties on behalf of their clients. These scenes underscore the tension between property rights and the desperate need for housing among the city’s poor.

In addition to private security, Theroux explores the phenomenon of vigilantism in Johannesburg’s black townships. Here, local communities have taken the law into their own hands, meting out harsh punishments to suspected criminals in the absence of effective policing. This aspect of the documentary highlights the complex social and economic factors that contribute to the city’s crime problem.