André Lincoln’s journey from anti-apartheid intelligence operative to a key figure in South Africa’s police force reveals the intricate ties between law enforcement and organized crime. His experiences highlight how the structures established during apartheid laid the groundwork for enduring collusion between police and gangsters, leading to significant implications in both the criminal underworld and political landscape. Lincoln's story serves as a lens through which to understand the broader dynamics of violence and power struggles in post-apartheid South Africa.

In the mid-1990s, Nelson Mandela appointed Lincoln to lead a secret unit investigating the connections between the government and criminal organizations. However, in 1997, the unit was embroiled in controversy when accusations surfaced that Lincoln was involved in rogue activities and colluded with the Italian Mafia. Lincoln maintained that he was framed by former apartheid-era officers looking to divert attention from their own illicit activities, which persisted even after the transition to democracy.

Journalist Caryn Dolley provides an in-depth exploration of Lincoln’s tumultuous career, documenting his initial conviction and subsequent vindication in a high-profile case that implicated numerous senior politicians and police officials. Through exclusive access to Lincoln and extensive research, Dolley reveals the shocking scandals that have plagued the South African Police Service, shedding light on the complexities of undercover operations and the ongoing ramifications of corruption in a newly democratic society.