Bandits and guerrillas: the case of Zimbabwe

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Book chapter

Title:	Bandits and guerrillas: the case of Zimbabwe
Author:	Ranger, T.
Book title:	Banditry, Rebellion and Social Protest in Africa
Year:	1986
Pages:	373-396
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Zimbabwe
Subjects:	organized crime guerrilla warfare
Abstract:	In Southern Africa, the words 'bandits' and 'guerrillas' are used today to describe the extremes of legitimate and illegitimate resistance. Taking Zimbabwe as a case study, the author explores whether there are any traditions of banditry or social banditry in the area. During most of the twentieth century the bandit 'tradition' existed only along the eastern boundaries of Zimbabwe. The author then focuses on the relations between guerrillas and peasants in the 1970s, arguing that acceptance by the peasantry and leadership by a 'liberation movement' are the two necessary conditions for guerrilla legitimacy. Pure bandits have neither; while armed bands enjoying one or other, but not both, of these kinds of acceptance, operate on ambiguous terrain. Finally, banditry in Zimbabwe after 1980 is touched upon. Notes, ref.