MOB ACTION OR ‘JUNGLE JUSTICE’: A CONTEXTUAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE

Abstract

In situations of uncertainty, communities or their members and organizations are known to have devised means of protecting themselves against attacks, harm or from losses. Mob action or 'jungle justice' is made more imperative with the presence of non-people oriented army and police, bequeathed to African nations by colonialism. Although mob action has often been regarded as illegal, it has over the years served useful purposes in the social and political history of various communities. Mob actions are carried out without recourse to 'approved or constitutional security agencies', such as the army or police; and have occurred in response to the inactions of government, security agencies and the need for instant and fair justice. It has always been reactions to delays in the juridical system, corrupt and sharp practices; and perversion of justice.