While a lot of that is true, there is also a recent sharp uptick in better visibility on the problem. A bit like improving disease detection makes the rates shoot up.

In particular the Madlanga commission mentioned in the article has been uncovering eyewatering levels of incompetence and corruption in law enforcement so there is suddenly a lot of talk around that

That's not to dispute that the situation is bad and the trajectory is negative...but think the economist could have highlighted that context a bit better.

The government itself is the biggest criminal enterprise. I guess they are worried about being eclipsed.

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So like US or Ukraine ?

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I mean, I guess. I'm using Firefox, I have an adblocker, and I have tampermonkey installed? And turning off Javascript isn't a bad idea, either.

United States of America are at risk of becoming mafia state. Very obvious and very significant, with fewer and fewer possibilities of reversal remaining each day.

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We have a vigilant free press reporting on scandals and a court system which holds the govt fully accountable.

I see far more corruption evident in the US right now with Trump and his family and their crypto investments and dodgy govt deals - perhaps the Economist should do an article.

People being pardoned by paying for it.

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"Burning spaceship falling into sun has clogged toilet"

I'm not sure that particularly matters at this point?