The author believes South Africans live in a society that continues to be divided in many respects yet appears to be united in a culture of lawlessness and criminality. There is a kind of "mob mentality" in the country that demonstrates the willingness of ordinary citizens to participate in crime and violence. In addition, some South Africans justify criminal activities in response to the AIDS epidemic. Possible historical roots of the crime problem in South Africa are briefly considered, as well as the role of police, corrections, and the criminal justice system in responding to and preventing crime. 1 photograph