Browsing by Author "Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso."

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8

An analytical study of xenophobic attacks in South African universities/tertiary institutions with specific reference to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Durban University of Technology (DUT)
(2019) Maseko, Nonjabulo.; Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.
There is growing concern with xenophobia, an act of perpetuating the violation of human rights. Xenophobia has negative implications on the teaching community. This study explores the nature and prevalence of xenophobia in South African higher learning institutions. The Social Learning Theory adopted in the study explains that xenophobic behaviours practised by the South African communities at large are transferred into the vicinity of higher learning institutions through being socially learned from public members who possess hatred towards foreign nationals. Moreover, the Realistic Group Conflict Theory adopted in this study explains how xenophobia is constituted due to competition for university jobs, scholarships and the perceived threat of foreign nationals’ getting higher marks and recognition than South African students. In exploring the nature and prevalence of xenophobia within higher learning institutions, the study explored the perceptions of Black foreign national students studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Durban University of Technology, South Africa. Using qualitative individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews, the study revealed that xenophobia is a common reality within both universities. The findings further uncovered that the nature of xenophobia within higher learning institutions is often expressed through discriminatory practices and name-calling. The study findings further revealed that university staff and students often perpetuate acts of xenophobia. The xenophobic attacks are either verbal or emotional and not physical as it is often the case with the broader South African communities. As a result, reporting xenophobic attitudes and behaviours becomes problematic. The study recommends that the implementation of laws that relate to xenophobia as an offence can lower xenophobic attacks and secondary victimisation when students attempt to report incidents of xenophobia. Another recommendation is that of establishing a xenophobia helpline in universities through which international students who are victimised can call to report victimisation.
The combating of cable theft in Durban railway stations.
(2018) Nobanda, Liso.; Maluleke, Witness.; Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.
The seriousness of cable theft in South African communities cannot be ignored; it highly deserves attention and quick interventions. The associated damages caused by this scourge are irreversible to the infrastructure of Durban rail stations of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in particular. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) in Durban is currently losing billions of rands resulting from cable thieves vandalising railway stations. However, the impact of cable theft further hampers economic growth and business productivity, directly curbing job creation in the process, leaving many residents in the surrounding squatter camps compromised, since trains cause delays on the railway stations, leaving commuters with no means of transport to and from work. This study assesses the nature of cable theft in Durban railway stations, looking at probable contributory factors to this crime. The study further examines the existing strategies (and their effectiveness) in response to cable theft as well as the existing challenges faced by Durban railway stations in combating cable theft. This study adopted a qualitative research approach through the use of semi-structured interviews to solicit perceptions and experiences of PRASA ‘Security Personnels – Cable theft investigators and cable theft railway patrollers’ involved in preventing and combating cable theft in Durban railway stations. The findings of this study confirmed that cable theft in Durban railway stations is a serious crime and the investigations conducted by these personnel (cable theft investigators and cable theft railway patrollers) revealed that when cables are stolen, the rail service normally shuts down, causing train derailments, among other problems. Furthermore, the study found that scrap metal dealers are the key contributors to cable theft in Durban railway stations as well as the shortage of resources, which include lack of manpower or police visibility and installed cameras. Lastly, the study found that the police normally lose dockets handed to them by PRASA cable theft investigators and there is a lack of internal and external (SAPS) reporting structures. For recommendations, this study proposes that more attention must be paid to scrap metal dealers by offering strict rules on the issuing of trading licences. Furthermore, severe sentences for possible offenders should be practiced, and better working relations should be established, with more resources geared to security departments. The implementation of relevant stakeholders’ partnerships and a branded ‘Cable Theft Specialised Unit’ could also assist in combating cable theft. The amendments of the existing legislative frameworks and alignment with technological advances and improvements would be of great assistance as well to put a stop to this crime.
The effectiveness of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate in investigating Section 28 (1)(B) death as a result of police action and Section 28 (1)(G) police corruption in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2021) Mbhele, Asanda.; Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.; Hadebe, Philisiwe Nicole.
Background: South Africa’s transition to a democracy brought with it a holistic accountability system geared towards aligning the South African Police with democratic principles. This study focuses on one component of this accountability system, the Independent Police Investigative Directive (IPID) which is responsible for the police misconduct and in ensuring accountability from the crimes committed by the police officers in SA. The aim of this study is to examine whether the IPID is an effective oversight mechanism in terms of ensuring accountability on the part of the South African Police Services (SAPS). It examines, in particular, the IPID’s mandate to investigate corruption matters and deaths that result from police action within the SAPS, and to determine whether, in its current form and capacity, it is effectively fulfilling its mandate. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Data were collected from ten (n=10) IPID investigating officers who are responsible for the investigation of Section 28 (b) and (g) of the IPID mandate in KwaZulu-Natal. The sample was obtained using purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and recorded with a voice recorder. The data were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that the willingness of the public to offer bribes to the police officers results in low conviction rates. It was also revealed that greediness plays a major role in contributing to police corruption. The killings of suspects and innocent bystanders was also viewed as a major problem in the KZN province. The participant’s revealed that the killings of police officers during their execution of their duties is the main factor that contributes to the killings of people. The study also discovered that various challenges, such as a lack of evidence from complainants, a lack of police cooperation, a lack of complainants' cooperation in the investigation, and a lack of resources and manpower within the IPID, contribute to the low conviction rates of police corruption and death as a result of police action. As a consequence of the data, it appears that police corruption and death as a result of police action investigation tactics are inefficient owing to investigative challenges. Keywords: Police officer, South African Police Service, Independent Police Investigative Directorate, Accountability, Conviction, Police Corruption, Death as a result of police action, Complainant, Suspect
An exploratory study on responses of South African Police Service and non-governmental organisations to human trafficking in Durban policing area.
(2018) Nkosi, Sphamandla Lindani.; Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.
Human trafficking is not a recent phenomenon, as it is believed that acts of human abduction for various reasons can be traced back to time immemorial. The manifestation of this crime is escalating, with elusive trends and patterns across the globe and in the Durban policing area (DPA) in particular. However, scholarly investigations into this practice have been avoided for quite some time in the field of humanities, which has exposed society to experience its harmful effects. However, in response to this scourge, relevant stakeholders across the globe have exerted relentless efforts to curb it, with limited success to date as the elusive nature and extent of human trafficking allow the perpetrators to continue their acts with impunity. This crime remains a huge threat to peace and security and violates the human rights of any affected individual. In recent years, this problem has escalated, and its exploitative and manipulative nature has destroyed the lives of thousands. It appears that not only underdeveloped states experience the destructive presence of this form of crime, but that the operations of human trafficking exist globally owing to porous borders and associated corruption. The approach to human trafficking in South Africa should be geared towards a capable system that may inform practices to curb it across the globe. In the South African context, this could be achieved by rigorously implementing available legislation and using collaborative strategies to respond to and eradicate this scourge effectively. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are two of the systems that should not stint their efforts in addressing this crime. To this aim, the SAPS has formed partnerships with different structures such as the International Police (Interpol) and many other NGOs in their quest to respond effectively to human trafficking in the DPA. The research design and methodology of this study employed an exploratory objective. This study thus adopted a qualitative research approach to adequately explore the responses from selected participants representing the SAPS and NGOs regarding human trafficking in the DPA. These participants were probed to learn about the available strategies and legislation in operation that are utilised to respond to human trafficking. The nature of this study allowed purposively and snowballed selected participants to be drawn from the SAPS and NGOs. Five (5) investigators were purposively selected from SAPS while a further five (5) participants were selected from two NGOs operating in the DPA. The snowball sampling technique was used in the latter instance. These participants were all selected to obtain detailed information and to maintain the trustworthiness of this study. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were vii used as the primary data collection instrument. The thematic analysis method was employed for the analysis of the data. The study found that human trafficking is perpetuated in the DPA due to the current instability in the current partnerships of all the relevant stakeholders (selected SAPS and NGOs included). The findings call for closer societal contributions and collaboration, as the South African criminal justice system (CJS), compared with international responses, evidently does not find common ground in its response to human trafficking. Furthermore, the use of advanced technology to respond to this crime is not adequate. It was suggested that the use of appropriate and advanced technology in responding to this crime is crucial and that the SAPS and NGOs should acquire knowledge and frequent training in using relevant technological devices to respond to human trafficking. This should be coupled with updated changes in the commission of this crime to identify human traffickers and instances of victimisation easily. It is envisaged that this study will be significant in assisting relevant structures such as the SAPS and NGOs in devising new and effective strategies to respond to human trafficking in the DPA. Most importantly, it is acknowledged that the relationship between the SAPS and NGOs is paramount in dealing with this crime; however, NGOs should take further steps in responding to human trafficking by identifying victims themselves instead of heavily relying on the SAPS to perform this duty. Therefore, NGOs should partner with other relevant stakeholders in the community while also exercising savvy in the utilisation of technologically advanced devices.
The impact of correctional centre overcrowding on rehabilitation of offenders: a case study of Durban Westville correctional centre.
(2018) Nkosi, Nozibusiso Purity.; Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.
The existing conditions in correctional centres bring have negative effect of inmates emotional and physical being. The purpose of imprisonment according to the Department of Correctional Services is rehabilitation yet obstacles such as overcrowding makes rehabilitation of offenders impossible. This study was conducted at the biggest correctional centre in KwaZulu Natal, Durban Westville Correctional Centre and argues that the effects of overcrowding in correctional centres includes unavailability resources (participation in rehabilitation programmes), stress amongst inmates, violent behaviour, creation of gangs, corruption, misclassification of inmates, malnutrition and non-consensual sex. This thesis presents the extent of overcrowding in correctional centres, causes of it and also the legal frameworks underpinning correctional centres and rehabilitation in South Africa. In order to understand correctional centres at present the researcher outlined the historical development and shift of prisons to correctional centres. The findings of this study revealed that due to overcrowding in correctional centres, implication of rehabilitation becomes impossible. The inmates recommended that the Department of Correctional Services should employ more correctional officials to help with the implication of rehabilitation programmes as Westville only has one psychologist, one social worker and one educator. The main aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of inmates and officials on the impacts overcrowding has on the rehabilitation of inmates. It is an undeniable fact that correctional centres are no longer safe environment that implements rehabilitation to offenders due to the conditions caused by overcrowding that inmates and forced to live under.
Old versus new : a South African Police Service culture attitudinal comparison.
(2016) Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.; Steyn, Jéan.
Contemporary ethnographers (Cockcroft, 2013; O’Neill, Marks & Singh, 2007; Sklansky, 2005) argue that new developments in policing have changed the police, and that traditional understanding of police culture, as a consequence, are no longer relevant. More specifically, these researchers fashionably imply that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has changed many of the traits of police culture that accentuate the cynicism of and isolation from the public. This masters’ dissertation is an attempt to contribute to this narrative by comparing the police culture themes of solidarity, isolation, and cynicism attitudes of two (2) different cohorts of new South African Police Service (SAPS) recruits separated by ten (10) years. By making use of the 30-item police culture themes of solidarity, isolation, and cynicism questionnaire, designed by Steyn (2005), the study established that a representative sample (138 out of a population of 140) of new SAPS recruits from the SAPS Chatsworth Basic Training Institute (August 2015), had remarkably similar attitudes in support of police culture themes of solidarity, isolation, and cynicism, compared to a representative sample of all new SAPS recruits that started their basic training in January 2005 (Steyn, 2005). Although small in representation, the current study refutes the claims made by Cockcroft (2013), O’Neill, Marks & Singh (2007), and Sklansky (2005), that traditional understandings of police culture are no longer relevant. The current study further argues that new developments in the South African Police Service (SAPS) over the past ten (10) years (2005-2015) have not done much to counteract traits of police culture that accentuate the cynicism of and isolation from the public.
Police culture of isolation, solidarity and cynicism: an African criminological perspective on early career police officers.
(2023) Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.; Steyn, Jéan.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Police culture plays a crucial role in shaping law enforcement practices and the overall functioning of police organisations. In Africa, the study of police culture holds particular importance due to the unique historical, social, and political contexts that influence policing in the region. Academic research on police organisational culture has been one of the most robust and productive areas in the study of policing, uncovering many of the day-to-day realities, lived experiences and cultural meanings of police work. Since the 1960s, when policing studies first gained traction in the academic community, the concept of police occupational culture, sometimes known as cop culture, has generated attention and discussion. These studies have revealed that police occupational culture can negatively influence service delivery and organisational reform. The current research aims to examine whether early career police officers with zero-ten years working experience evinced police culture attitudes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism. The early career police officers this study focused on were those employed by Kenya Police Services (KPS), Malawi Police Services (MPS) and South African Police Services (SAPS). This study applied the predisposition model and the occupational socialization theory to better conceptualize where police officers’ attitudes, values and behaviour originate. This study adopted a quantitative descriptive research approach to appropriately address the research questions and utilized the 30-item police culture questionnaire, the findings of the current study revealed that solidarity, isolation and cynicism are standard coping strategies among Kenya, Malawi and South African early career police officers. Findings from this research are expected to shed light on the distinct features of police culture on these three African countries. The analysis will identify cultural factors that contribute to positive policing outcomes, such as community engagement, professionalism, and ethical conduct. Additionally, it will address issues related to corruption, abuse of power, and inadequate accountability mechanisms that hinder effective policing.
An understanding on the nature of rural crimes: a case study of Kwa-Maphumulo eStezi.
(2017) Mbatha, Nondumiso Pretty.; Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.
Very little research has been done on rural crimes. The study at hand aims to understand the nature of rural crimes. The study employed an empirical research approach and design. This study was conducted at Kwa-Maphumulo eStezi, a rural area in Pietermaritzburg under the uMshwathi municipality. Results shows that murder, livestock theft, burglary, rape, domestic violence and substance abuse are the types of crimes that exists in the area. The area is faced with high rate of unemployment because many young people are school dropouts and uneducated. The community is faced with serious economic problems and crime rate is escalating. Lack of recreational facilities was found to be a contributing factor to crime in the area. There is a greater distance between the community and the police and that also promotes crime. Building of proper infrastructure, availability of recreational facilities, crime awareness programs and psychological services are the recommendations of the study.