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"Fear Fokol" Documentary Examines Johannesburg's Private Security Patrols

publication · 2026-10-07

The documentary series from The New Yorker, titled "Fear Fokol," delves into the world of private-security personnel in Johannesburg. It portrays the patrolmen tasked with safeguarding the affluent amidst a backdrop of anxiety, disparity, and fragile masculinity. The film, available on The New Yorker's documentary platform, derives its name from the South African slang "fokol," which translates to worthless, setting the tone for its critique of the security sector. By intertwining the narratives of armed guards in affluent neighborhoods with broader issues of private protection in a divided urban landscape, the documentary explores the connections between wealth, fear, and masculinity in Johannesburg. However, it omits information about the director, release date, runtime, featured individuals, and specific areas examined. It can be viewed on The New Yorker's website.

Key facts

  • "Fear Fokol" is a documentary from The New Yorker Documentary series.
  • The film examines private-security forces that patrol Johannesburg.
  • It focuses on patrolmen hired to protect the city's wealth.
  • The documentary depicts a culture of paranoia, inequality, and fragile but well-armed masculinity.
  • The source does not name a director or provide release date.
  • The work is available through The New Yorker's documentary platform.
  • The title includes the South African slang term "fokol," meaning nothing or worthless.
  • No specific neighborhoods, individuals, or incidents are identified in the source.

Entities

Institutions

  • The New Yorker

Locations

  • Johannesburg
  • South Africa

Sources