the sabela
- The Sabela is something which is unique to the numbers gang in South Africa. The Sabela consists of the words, symbols and colors that differentiate one from another. This section of the website will discuss the various concepts of the Sabela in relation to the numbers gang.
- The complex codes of the numbers gang specify how the gangs should approach each other and the protocol states that the 26's rule by day and the 28's by night.
- When a new recruit is to be initiated the gang will inform the new recruit on gang tradition and policies. These policies play an important role and if any member ever forgets the policies, traditions or history of the gang, they can be severely punished.
the language of the numbers gang
The language they use, is a result of the diverse community in prisons in South Africa. South Africa has eleven official languages, which consist of Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. Thus, in order for the different cultures to be able to communicate with one another in the gangs, they speak a mix of Afrikaans, English, Xhosa and Zulu. These are the most spoken languages in the country, thus many of the offenders in prison are able to speak one or more of these languages.
During the initiation stage of a new recruit, they must learn the values and history of the numbers gang in their mother tongue and can mix the languages if they like. The mix of the four languages is known as fanigalore. Fanigalore was devoeoped in the mines in South Africa in the late 1800's. This was developed as way for the black mine workers to communicate with one another and for the white mine owners to be able to communicate with all of the workers, without having to learn all the different languages.
During the initiation stage of a new recruit, they must learn the values and history of the numbers gang in their mother tongue and can mix the languages if they like. The mix of the four languages is known as fanigalore. Fanigalore was devoeoped in the mines in South Africa in the late 1800's. This was developed as way for the black mine workers to communicate with one another and for the white mine owners to be able to communicate with all of the workers, without having to learn all the different languages.
salutes
Each branch of the numbers gang has its own salute. When giving the salute, they will say this is my sign, my flag, my gun and my pen.
The 26's salute:
The 26's salute:
- Consists of a raised thumb
- Consists of a thumb and the index finger
- Consists of the thumb and the first two fingers
- With the salute of the 28's gang, the members will combine a salutation of Umsunukonyoko. This is a specific reference to someones mothers genitals.
Above is a member of the 28's with his salute.
flags of the numbers
It is important to note that the flags of the numbers are invisible and are only symbolic. Thus they can be created in any way, as long as all the elements are there and each element is completely understood.
Flag of the 26's
The flag of the 26's is pure white, which emphasizes their ability to rob with a clear conscience. Their symbol, either on the flag on their body is money and can be found in the form of the Dollar ($) sign or cash. This sign indicates that they are money motivated. There is also a thin red line which indicates that they are reading themselves for war. However, during peace times, this line is invisible.
flag of the 27's
The flag of the 27's is red as blood and has crossed swords, with the blades pointing upwards. There is also a horn or bugle and seven six point stars on the flag. The red stands for blood, because they are of the fighting line and are the most violent of the gangs. The swords symbolize that they are ready to fight and the seven stars symbolize the number of the gang, 27.
flag of the 28's
The colors of the flag of the 28's consists of red, green, black and white. The flag is green, with a thin red line. There is also white on the flag and black. The color white symbolizes the privates who never fight, but who do women’s work in the prisons. Red is for the Gold Line and for the men who take blood. Green is for the Silver Two's and black is never mentioned and is not always on the flag. Black stands for the fallen or dead members of the gang. The flag also consists of a lion’s head and a Kudu horn.
The 28's also have a symbolic building which they refer to and often try to paint their cells in the specific colors. They try to paint the walls white, the roof red, the window frames green and try have a gold flagpole.
The 28's also have a symbolic building which they refer to and often try to paint their cells in the specific colors. They try to paint the walls white, the roof red, the window frames green and try have a gold flagpole.
tattoos of the numbers gang
The 26's:
The 27's:
The 28's:
- Most of the symbolic tattoos of the 26's will be found on the right hand side of the body. This is to show that they stay away from same sex relationships and practices.
- The tattoos often have a fixation of Dollar ($) signs, cash or coins and often the money is pierced by the point of a blade.
- Another tattoo often seen on a member of the 26's is that of fists holding a bunch of cash or an open book with the number 26 on it.
The 27's:
- Most 27's will have a tattoo displaying the crossed scimitars and a rising sun.
- All 27 gang members will have a tattoo that states that they are either armed with some sort of weapon or that they are violent in nature.
The 28's:
- A 28 member will often have a tattoo of a sun setting between his buttocks.
- If a member has a tattoo saying Moliva Boy, it indicates that he entered the gang through the Silver Line.
- However, if a member has a tattoo referring to blood or death, it means that he entered the gang through the Gold Line. It is important to note that some members may have many tattoos all over. This is because they may enter through the Silver Line and move up into the Gold Line.
- Members of the 28's will often have the number 28 somewhere tattooed on their body.
- They may also have a quote saying, "my heart beats 3 times per year", this indicates they are of the blood line or Gold Line. Or they may have a quote saying "my heart beats 2 times per year" this indicates they are of the Silver Line.
This picture above is that of two brothers who are part of the 28's. The man on the left, has the tattoo Moliva Boy, tattooed on him. Thus stating that he entered the gang through the Silver Line.