Heist: South African Epidemic
Book Review:
Title: Heist
Author: Anneliese Burgess
Publisher: Penguin Books
During a political science class discussion I participated in a few years ago about whether or not journalists should be a conveyor belt for politicians, one student said, “Journalists should always open a box of worms and never accept that used for political purposes”. Another responded: “Why do journalists always have to open a can of worms when there’s a can of Coke?” Laughter ensued. (Witness/Echo, 2002, article: In Defense of Journalists).
I quote myself here to underscore a point about the centrality of good journalism in a democracy. Journalists are not do-gooders but work for the public good. Good journalism by its nature should make us feel uncomfortable. It must force us to question the sincerity of those in charge of power and public resources. You must so to speak open a can of worms or if you like expose the belly of the beast. And, this dear reader is what Anneliese Burgess does in her long-form journalism (book) aptly titled Heist. She enters the heart of the beast, exposing the indifference and incompetence of the SA authorities (NPA, SAPS and Banks). She talks to heistus (cash heist specialists), police, prosecutors, investigators, brokers, and kingpins. She gives us a full picture of the texture of the cash theft epidemic.
The book asserts that not all journalists have agendas that are contrary to the ideals of the founding ethos of the journalistic craft. The book offends sensitive readers, but affirms our common humanity, that is, our ability to show empathy for others. The picture he paints with his words is chilling and harrowing, to say the least, but it offers hope that if we do a few things right, we can stop the epidemic. This book is an epic success in all aspects (quality research, expert interviews, excellent writing and narration).
Anneliese Burgess has done for criminal journalism and justice what Jacques Pauw (The President’s Keepers) did for investigative journalism, political journalism and state-captured patients.
As you read the book, you can immediately see the fruits of a good publisher partnering with Penguin Books. The book is superbly crafted (in terms of chapter structuring), excellent editing, brilliant typesetting, and excellent proofreading. He passed through the hands of his peers in the field of investigative journalism and landed comfortably in the lap of editor extraordinaire, Marlene Fryer.
Finally, no matter your political views, just remember that the corridors of power stink, hence the need for good journalists to constantly fight to open the lid and let the worms out. Now I’m going to open my can of Coke and celebrate this triumph in journalism.