A structural and perceived problem

Afrobarometer Round 9 in Angola shows that 66.4% of Angolans believe most or all police officers are involved in corruption. For civil servants in general, the figure is 61.2%; for judges and magistrates, 52.9%; for the president and cabinet, 49.5%. These are not marginal perceptions — they are majority views, held by more than half the adult population.

Why reporting is still dangerous

When asked whether they would report an act of corruption if they witnessed one, 61% of respondents say they would not — out of fear of reprisals. The main reasons given are: fear of losing a job or income (38%), fear of physical threats or violence (29%), and belief that reporting is pointless because nothing will happen (24%).

This combination of widespread perception of corruption and widespread self-silencing creates a self-reinforcing cycle: corruption persists because it is rarely reported; it is rarely reported because it is dangerous to do so.