Browsing by Author "Mkhize, Sazelo Michael."

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A criminological inquiry into life insurance fraud in KwaZulu-Natal: an exploratory study.
(2023) Mthethwa, Nomathamsanqa.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Abstract available in PDF.
An examination of the social context of sexual victimisation of female students in institutions of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban)
(2022) Makhaye, Mandisa Samukelisiwe.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Sexual victimisation is a serious violation of human rights, as well as a safety and public health concern. It does not only occur in one dimension or among a specific race group, but it affects all classes, races, settings, and circumstances. The aim of the study is to uncover the social context of the phenomenon of sexual victimisation in three selected institutions of higher learning in KwaZulu-Natal (Durban). The study's objectives are to investigate the nature of sexual victimisation against female students in Durban's selected universities; to determine the contributing factors to sexual victimisation against female students; to investigate the effects of sexual victimisation on female students; to investigate the lack of reporting of sexual victimisation by female students; and to evaluate the usefulness of current strategies for policing sexual offences in the selected universities. The Routines Activities Theory and the Integrated Theory of Sexual Offending guide the research. Both theories explain sexual victimisation in terms of the victim and the perpetrator, highlighting the explicit factors that contribute to the prevalence of sexual victimisation. A total of 46 participants were purposively sampled from three universities in Durban, and data was collected through interviews and thematically analysed. According to this study, incapacitated sexual victimisation is more common on campus than forcible rape, in which perpetrators use threats or physical force. This could be attributed to both the victim's and the perpetrator's excessive alcohol consumption and drug use. Victimisation can lead to social withdrawal, trauma, depression, and poor academic performance. Furthermore, some victims are infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), while others become pregnant. Furthermore, the study discovers that Student Representative Council (SRC) and lecturers abuse their power by requesting sexual favours from female students in exchange for securing a residence or grades. Statistics on sexual victimisation are unreliable because young female students are reluctant to report sexual victimisation to authorities. Some of the reasons for non-reporting include a fear of secondary victimisation and a lack of trust in institutions. According to the study's recommendations, the curriculum should include sex education to instil an understanding of consent and to foster dialogue and consistent awareness of sexual victimisation within the institution. Additionally, policies should be efficiently implemented according to the stipulated objectives. Furthermore, the study recommends upgrading security measures, establishing a gender-based violence (GBV) centre, capacitating security personnel to deal with cases of sexual victimisation, and forming a partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to encourage a transparent and efficient investigation process. Finally, institutions should implement an online reporting portal to create a safe space for victims to report.
An exploratory study on the partnership between private security industry and the South African Police Services to combat crime in South Africa, Durban.
(2022) Phakathi, Sinethemba.; Mbhele, Nkosingiphile Modeccai.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Abstract available in PDF.
An analysis of electricity theft: the case study of KwaXimba in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2017) Mbanjwa, Thobile.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
The illegal consumption of electricity is deemed a criminal offence that is punishable. Even so, there exist high levels of theft of electricity till date. Illegal electricity can be dangerous in nature due to the nature of its installation. These connections are done by non-expert persons and some of the safety precautions are not followed through. As a result, communities suffer the consequences. This study intended to identify the motivations behind the illegal consumption of electricity in the KwaXimba community. An investigation is also done on what are the effects of the theft of electricity on the community. This was a deliberate attempt to uncover whether communities are aware of such dangers. Eskom is aware of such and has a number of preventative measures against the theft of electricity, in place. This study aimed to investigate, the strategies in place in an attempt to curb electricity theft. This study investigated the illegal connections of electricity in KwaXimba. The main objective of the study was to determine the major cause of electricity theft in KwaXimba, the approaches implemented to reduce the rise in electricity theft moreover, it aimed to evaluate the effects electricity theft has on electricity supply and the community. In order to achieve this, the qualitative approaches were used. Interviews were conducted on participants that were purposively selected. The data was then analysed thematically. Findings of this study revealed that the issue of electricity theft in the community was a structural issue. The issue of theft is normalised within the community. The study revealed that individuals steal electricity based on personal decisions and preferences. Another factor was that it is acceptable to steal electricity in the community. The minority of the members stole electricity because they had bought houses that had readily stolen electricity. The researcher deduced some recommendations from the study, for one, an electrification program should be made to save both Eskom Revenue from illegal consumption and to save the lives of the community members especially the vulnerable group, children who fall victims to exposed cables. Also, organisations such as community safety and Eskom should formulate programs that are aimed towards de-normalising the act of electricity theft in the community of KwaXimba and across other communities.
An analysis of WhatsApp as a tool for crime prevention in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Du Plessis, Jodie.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Violent crime levels are on the rise on South Africa; however, the advent of the Internet, and the subsequent advancement of social media, has drastically changed the way in which community members can get involved in community crime prevention efforts. It is evident that the use of WhatsApp for crime prevention purposes by communities is a new trend in crime prevention; however, there is a limited body of scientific information that illuminates this phenomenon. Therefore, the aim of this research is thus to determine which WhatsApp practices could be regarded as the most effective for use by communities to enhance community-based crime prevention efforts in the area of study. It is argued that this information could inform a set of guidelines for the use of WhatsApp in crime prevention that could be utilised by the various communities in the area of study, and even beyond the demographic borders of the Highway Area. The findings of this study show that WhatsApp is attractive for crime prevention purposes because it has improved the way in which communities can communicate with a broader audience in a much quicker fashion than before. This enhances crime response rates and curbs further instances of crime. The findings of this study also highlighted areas in which WhatsApp use can be carefully regulated to ensure its most effective and lawful use in crime prevention. This research was conducted in the Highway Area in KwaZulu-Natal. In this area, communities are increasingly using WhatsApp for crime prevention purposes, and role-players (e.g. the SAPS, private security companies, emergency services etc.) operating in this area are becoming more active on community-driven WhatsApp groups in order to assist with resources for crime prevention and responses to emergency situations.
Community perceptions of child sexual assault : case study of Ngangelizwe community in Mthatha.
(2016) Mphatheni, Mandlenkosi Richard.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Numerous studies have been done on child sexual violence/abuse (CSV/A). Sexual victimization of minors remains a constant problem globally. Section 28(1) (d) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 (South Africa, 1996) provides that every child has the right to be safeguard from ill-treatment, desertion, exploitation and degradation. November 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). On this occasion, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) called on the South African government to once again prioritise children’s rights as a key government agenda, to commit to its obligations under the CRC, to uphold the promise made to South Africa’s children by the late Nelson Mandela, and to heed his powerful words: “History will judge us by the differences we make in the everyday lives of children”. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 community members of Ngangelizwe Township in Mthatha, Eastern Cape province. The interviews were held in the period August 2016 - September 2016. The aim of the investigation was to determine the social, biological, and psychological effects of child sexual offences on children and as well as their parents, families, and the community at large. The study explored the authentic views of Township people, as there is limited scholarly literature on child sexual abuse and particularly on the experiences of Township residents of this atrocious act. Community members shared their views on the effects of child sexual assault, and there was common agreement that the sexual abuse of a child destroys the psychological and physical well-being not only of the child, but also of the parents. Sexually abused children show signs of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, mental disturbance, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They also lose focus at school and they often isolate themselves from other children. These children lose trust not only in the person who sexually abused them, but in all older people, as it is usually adults who perpetrate this crime. Sexually abused children experience memory loss, always live in fear, and experience anxiety disorders long after the event.
Community policing forum : exploring general community and CPF members’ perspective on the value of and the effectiveness of CPF in Glenmore and Umbilo communities.
(2017) Snyman, Zipho Nomsasa.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
A community policing forum (CPF) is one of the structures used for crime prevention within the community. This structure is used nationally; its objectives are likely to be similar in some of the countries. This study sought to explore the perspective of community members and CPF members on the value and effectiveness of Community Police Forums in the area of Glenmore and Umbilo. The researcher intended to explore various which can make CPF effective within the study area with the hope of minimising crime rate and related incidents. To obtain that, the researcher had five objectives which were; To explore the perspective of community members and CPF members on the value and effectiveness of CPF within the communities; to determine the roles of CPF within the community; to determine whether the community members of the stated areas are aware about the existence of CPF; to determine the need of CPF within the community and to explore the challenges faced by the CPF members. Triangulation of theories which included Broken Windows Theory and Social Disorganisation Theory has been used as the theoretical framework. This study applied a qualitative design located with an interpretivist paradigm. In-depth interviews with ordinary community members and CPF members were conducted (triangulation of sources). The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study showed that the CPF in the stated areas is effective, even though the structure is isolated from community members. The members of the community see the value of having community policing forums within the communities. Most community members claimed not to know about the strategies used to broadcast the existence of the forum within their community. CPF members also outlined the challenges which they are facing, to mention a few they, pointed out that in Umbilo community members are renting properties, and they keep on changing their residential and that lead them into not taking much responsibility in crime prevention methods which the community implements.
A criminological exploration of media ethics in South African Broadcasting Corporation: case studies of KwaZulu-Natal Province.
(2019) Hlongwa, Nontobeko Faith Eustancia.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Media keep us informed about societal issues around us including crime and as such, they enable the broadcasting of criminal cases in many ways. One of these ways is the broadcasting of court proceedings, where the offender comes into contact with the accuser and faces the law which they have broken. Media are responsible for providing the public with truthful information that does not promote any hidden agendas and that is viewer friendly. Honest and truthful information can only be observed if media houses and journalists ensure that they abide by media ethics. These are the rules and principles that govern and guide journalists in their presentation of information without the audience becoming victims of falsehoods and misleading information. Using a thorough investigative research, this study aims at investigating and assessing media ethics in terms of covering criminal cases when it comes to radio broadcasting. The study also aims at establishing the exact codes of ethics that must be followed and their procedures before the actual broadcasting occurs. This research reviews the past literature as well as gaining more insights into the issue under discussion from the participants who work as journalists or editors. The study also theoretically links the topic to the Social Responsibility Theory, the Representation Theory, the Social Control Theory as well as the Authoritarian Theory. To further explain the linkage among these theories, a quantitative approach is applied as the methodology. The data analysis approach is also applied to ascertain whether the adopted methodology generates the desired findings regarding media ethics that are applied by journalists in their broadcast of criminal cases. In addition the findings of the research revealed that journalist were aware that media ethics exist, most the participants highlighted that the importance of media ethics was to not only protect themselves as journalist but the audience as a whole, the findings indicated that there are regulatory bodies that governed radio stations , the most common being the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and the broadcasting complaints commission of South Africa. This study has revealed that there are still loop holes when it comes to broadcast and there is not a lot of punitive measures that are put in place to ensure that journalist are abiding not only to ethical procedure but to the constitution as a whole.
A criminological investigation into the lived experiences of cybercrime perpetrators in southwest Nigeria.
(2020) Ojolo, Tolulope Lembola.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Olofinbiyi, Sogo Angel.
Internet fraud, also known as ‘yahoo-yahoo’, has become very popular in Nigeria, especially among the youth. Adopting a qualitative research design through a phenomenological lens, this study investigates the experiences of cybercrime perpetrators, otherwise known as ‘yahoo-boys’, in Nigeria. It seeks to understand the factors influencing and sustaining youth involvement in cyber criminality in Nigeria. Painstaking in-depth interviews were conducted with 29 yahoo-boys across three cities in Nigeria namely, Lagos, Ibadan and Ado-Ekiti. The study adopts the arguments of Robert Merton’s Strain Theory and Rational Choice Theory as a theoretical framework. Findings suggest that poverty, unemployment, corrupt political leadership and law enforcement, failure of vital social institutions to meet the needs of most of the population, as well as the proliferation of internet service providers have all merged to create a booming business of cybercrime in Nigeria. Narratives of yahoo-yahoo among the yahoo-boys vary from some admitting that it is a criminal act to others seeing it as an opportunity to escape the harsh socio-economic realities of Nigeria. Some also see it as an avenue for retribution and the redistribution of wealth. Some of these yahoo-boys believe that because most of their victims are based in rich western countries, they are taking revenge for the years of exploitation and oppression Africa has suffered through slavery and colonialism. Yahoo-yahoo is maintained and sustained through a highly sophisticated network of inter-continental groups of individuals and interests pooling resources together and sharing information and skills with the intent to defraud harmless individuals, business organisations and government parastatals across the globe. They pass on their skills and knowledge to recruits who, most times, consider themselves lucky to be joining the bandwagon through a structured system of apprenticeship and mentorship. The entire network of yahoo-yahoo is built on reliance and collaboration, and more recently has begun exploring elements of the supernatural- spiritualism, to boost the trade. It was brought to the fore that the efforts of the government to curb this illicit trade have been marred by corruption. Therefore, the study concludes that yahoo-yahoo is an endemic problem in Nigeria that requires a broad, systemic, and multi-level intervention. The proliferation of yahoo-yahoo in the country does not just bring to the fore the consequences of the harsh socio-economic reality Nigerians endure, but its normalisation as an inescapable reality for some young people among various groups of people show the decadence that has pervades in the country’s moral norms and ethical codes. To address the problem there is the need for an attitudinal change. Yahoo-yahoo must be labelled as a crime and not an avenue to escape poverty or get retribution. The government must address unemployment, invest in poverty reduction initiatives, and provide better remuneration across the board. There will be a further need to purge the Nigerian law enforcement agencies of corruption and constantly (re)train its officers on how to handle cybercrime. If initiatives such as sport development programmes and skills acquisition programmes are part of the education curriculum, young people will have the opportunity to develop capacity in other conforming areas of life that could yield a better remuneration in their adult life.
A cross-sectional study of traditional police culture themes amongst experienced South African Police Service officials.
Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Steyn, Jéan.
There are serious concerns in South Africa lately regarding the change and behaviour of the police officials. Many incidences of police brutality have been reported and some broadcasted on media. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, demands a fundamental re-evaluation and conversion of the nature and style of policing in South Africa from denying the human rights of the majority of South Africans during the ‘apartheid era’ to gaining the trust and respect of all. This means changing the relationship between the citizens and police officials to build an environment that is conducive for all South African citizens. Based on the comments of a representative sample of experienced South African Police Service, this thesis explores the presence of the police culture themes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism amongst experienced police officials, with 10, 20 and 30 years of services . The researcher found substantial evidence of the presence of the police culture themes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism among experienced SAPS officials. Based on the findings of the study, it is argued that new developments in police and policing in South Africa over the last thirty (30) years (whether structure, strategy, policy and/or legislation) have not assisted much in counteracting police culture traits that traditionally accentuate the cynicism of and isolation from the public. In other words, counteracts democratic police and policing principles.
Darker shades of brown: managing race relations culture among military police in South Africa.
(2024-03) Akpan, Udoh James.; Steyn, Jéan.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Sihlobo, Mfuneko Merriman.
This study investigates the intricate connections between race and police culture, exploring how solidarity, isolation, and cynicism vary among military police officers in South Africa: Blacks and Whites. Adopting a quantitative approach, the research examines how racial identity shapes officers' experiences within the force, potentially influencing their sense of belonging, professional detachment, and disillusionment. Using a survey format, the researcher employed a non-experimental ex post facto (cross-sectional) design. This study employs descriptive analysis to describe characteristics that exist within different variables. The study established in general that SANDF MPOs have attitudes in support of police culture themes of solidarity and isolation but do not have a police culture of cynicism according to race variables. However, the study also finds that, in more than half of the SANDF MPOs, the respondents evinced attitudes in support of the police culture theme of cynicism. Statistically significant differences, differences of kind, and differences of degree were found in relation to all race categorical dependent variables (Blacks and Whites). The study provides an empirical peek into military police culture, allows for comparisons between public police culture and military police culture, and contributes novel knowledge to broader police culture in general.
‘Darker shades of brown’ police culture of solidarity, isolation and cynicism attitudes by the South African National Defence Military police officials.
(2020) Sihlobo, Mfuneko Merriman.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Steyn, Jéan.
The study seeks to determine whether a random and representative sample of all South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Military Police Officials (MPOs) have attitudes evincing of police culture themes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism. The study adopted a quantitative approach due to the large number of the sample and nature of the study based on number of variables. The research hypotheses required that the study be generalisable to the overall population of the SANDF MPOs. Sensitivity had to be exercised regarding systematic biases while selecting the sample mean. In addition, because the overall purpose of the study required analysis of the sub-group effects among the overall sample, a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) stratified sampling design had to be employed in order to adequately measure sub-group differences. The stratified sampling design required a much larger overall sample than would have been necessary for testing of hypotheses for the whole population. Using a survey format, the researcher employed a non-experimental ex post facto (cross-sectional) design. The study established in general that SANDF MPOs have attitudes in support of police culture themes of solidarity and isolation. Although the study did not find attitudes evincing of police culture cynicism, more than half of the SANDF MPOs evinced attitudes in support of the police culture theme of cynicism. Statistical significant differences, differences of kind, and differences of degree, were found in relation to all the categorical independent variables (that is, SANDF unit, rank, experience, race, gender, and education). The study is the first of its kind in the world to establish whether military police officials have attitudes evincing of public police culture themes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism. The study provides an empirical peek into military police culture but allows for invaluable comparisons (differences and similarities) between public police culture and military police culture, and contributes novel knowledge to broader police culture, in general. Keywords- Police, public police, military police, police domain, policing, culture, police culture, police culture themes, police culture theme of solidarity, police culture theme of isolation, police culture theme of cynicism, South Africa, South African National Defence Force, South African National Defence Force Military Police.
The effects of community violence on learners in a rural context.
(2012) Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Gopal, Nirmala Devi.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Much has been learned over the past decade about the way children respond to experiences of violence in their community. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of violence on the academic performance of learners, those who have been directly affected and those who have been witnessing violence being perpetrated either against close friends and relatives or against other people generally. The findings of the study suggest that both direct and indirect victims of crime are affected by violence which, in turn, has negative effects on their school performance. This research was conducted at Swayimana, a rural area in Pietermaritzburg under the Umshwathi municipality. In this area perpetrators of crime are young people against other young people, although occasionally senior members of the community have instigated violence.
Effects of school violence on educators : a case study of Fairvale Secondary School, Wentworth Durban.
(2016) Sibisi, Nomakhosi Nomathemba.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Over the past years scholarly authors have focused on how school violence affects learners and their capability to perform well at school. However, studies have ignored the reality that educators are affected by school violence as much as learners are. The study was aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of school-based violence on educators, with particular reference to those who witnessed violence as well as those who were victims of violence within the school environment. Findings have shown that a school does not exist in a vacuum but is part of the broader society in which it is situated. Moreover, a school that is situated in community that is plagued in high rates of violence is more probable to experience incidents of school violence. Educators suffer from a number of different psychological and physical effects due to their exposure to violence on a regular basis. This research was conducted at a secondary school in the Wentworth area in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Wentworth is well known for gang-related violence and the high rates of crime in the area. Reportedly, many learners in this area exhibit behavioural problems that are, in particular, due to the socio-economic conditions of the community in which they live.
The exploration of the reporting and evaluation of child rape cases by social workers in Usizo Centre.
(2018) Caluza, Londiwe Gugulethu Precious.; Steyn, Jéan.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
When South Africa saw the dawn of democracy in 1994, the newly elected government faced the challenge of making the country inclusive for all, including children. The government thus had the task of ensuring the protection of all South African children, irrespective of their race, gender, socio-economic class and geographic location. Two of the ways in which they sought to address this was by reserving section 28 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa exclusively for children and by making amendments to the Children’s Act 74 of 1983 to align it to the ideals of the democratic state. Some of the amendments made are found in section 110 of the Child Care Act of 2005. The section provides guidelines and procedures of how a child rape case should be attended to by the relevant stakeholders such as social workers. The purpose of this research therefore, was to explore the reporting and evaluation of child rape cases by social workers in light of the procedures stated in section 110 of the Child Care Act of 2005. The research question came about after the increased reports of child rape in the media irrespective of the amendments to the Child Care Act of 2005 and the formulation of the National Register of Sexual Offenders. The study investigated the role of social workers as advocates for children and their participation in child rape cases. The aim of this research was to evaluate if the procedures of reporting are effective in ensuring that children who are victims of rape receive justice. The study focused on the reporting of cases of children aged 0 to 7 years old. The research was conducted in a medico-legal centre in Durban, Phoenix which is a one-stop centre for victims of sexual and physical abuse. The research design utilised in this study was the evaluation research design. The methodology used was the qualitative research method and the method of analysis was thematic data analysis. From the findings of the study it was established that the working relationship between different stakeholders sometimes had a negative impact on the reporting process. The idleness of certain individuals in the reporting process jeopardises the chances of a successful conviction against the perpetrator. The scarcity of resources and workspace also impacted on the reporting process and also put the victims in jeopardy of experiencing secondary victimisation. Lastly, the skills of certain stakeholders was questionable since working with children is a specialised field which needs individuals with a high level of skills and competency. In conclusion, it was recommended that the training of stakeholders in their field of work must include how to question and gather evidence in a victim-friendly manner. Policies must be in place to test the competency and skills of the stakeholders that work within the centre. The availability of resources and workspace also needed to be addressed in order to address work efficiency and lower the chances of secondary victimisation.
An exploratory study on public perceptions towards crime: a case study of Tongaat community in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
(2019) Khoza, Nontobeko Patience.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
On daily basis, crime has reportedly been an ever-rising issue not only in KZN but also all around the world. With the ever-changing laws and societies, crime has also been a changing phenomenon especially during the apartheid era, which had promoted inequality and then brought about poverty and unemployment among the people of South Africa. Studies have persistently established that poverty and unemployment have given rise to the occurrence of crime in the Democratic Republic of South Africa, as the poor are desperately attempting to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Based on the conceptual analysis of strain and rational choice theories, the study aimed at gaining Tongaat people’s perceptions on crimes that are prevalent in the area, their causes as well as the effects of such crimes on individuals that reside in the community. Using one-on-one open-ended semi-structure interviews, data were collected to describe the phenomenon in relation to relevant literatures. The study identified sexual abuse, hijackings, and robberies, house-breaking to mention but a few as the most prevalent crimes in Tongaat community. Based on the findings of the study, possible policy recommendations were offered to reduce the crime rates in the area.
An exploratory study on subtance abuse among homeless people: a case study of Durban city centre.
(2019) Ndlovu, Zethembe Mthokozisi.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Homelessness has been an age-long and global challenge from years back; and up till now, it still exists across the human societies. Homelessness is, most of the time, linked with substance abuse, although this is not always the fact. The same scenario was observed in Durban Central City, where there are many people sleeping on the street in order to sustain a means of livelihood. The thesis aimed at examining the homeless and their relationship with substance abuse, understanding substance abuse as a contributory factor for crime perpetration, identifying the original cause of substance abuse among the homeless, as well as investigating the effects of the awkward situation on this category of people. The thesis adopted a theoretical integration of the strain and broken windows theories to explain the phenomenon. Using one-on-one open-ended semi-structure interviews, data were collected to describe the phenomenon in relation to relevant literatures. Findings also revealed that there still exists a long way to go in terms of attempting to eradicate issues that relate or contribute to the occurrence of homelessness vis-a vis the abuse of substances
An exploratory study on ukuthwala and crime: a perspective of inqaba kamvelinqangi cultural organization.
(2021) Hlophe, Phindile.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Ukuthwala evokes emotive responses, with those who either support or oppose the practice. Ukuthwala has also resulted in public debate due to abductions which are viewed as against the young women's consent, but not much has been done to investigate the practice of ukuthwala among the Zulus of KwaZulu Natal (KZN) in post-1994 South Africa. Therefore, this study investigates the original or real meaning of the culture of ukuthwala in the Zulu and it linkage to crime. The study is motivated by the misunderstandings or misinterpretations people have about the culture of ukuthwala. It has been labeled as abusive and as a crime by certain scholars while it is just a cultural practice that was meant to solve a problem between a young man and a young woman who were in a love relationship and intended to marry, but were faced with obstacles to realize their dream (Nyembezi & Nxumalo, 1995). It is a qualitative study. This study highlights the ongoing debate as to whether ukuthwala may be practiced as a means to open up the marriage negotiation process, and concludes that both men and women understand ukuthwala as a Zulu custom which opens up marriage negotiation process. Accordingly, ukuthwala in this traditional form is understood as not violating the rights of young women and children. This study encountered the challenge that the South African laws fail to ensure that the abuse of the culture of ukuthwala is firstly eradicated and secondly that there are criminal sanctions for the violation. Ukuthwala is a Zulu custom that opens up a space for women’s agency where they can decide to marry a man they choose and end the relationship they do not want. In this way the women are able to command the men whom they love, and who have resources and therefore are also powerful to act in a way the woman wants with regard to initiating negotiations for the marriage. However, it can also be viewed as a Zulu custom carried out by powerful men who have resources and therefore can pay ilobolo (bride wealth), as a power display directed at other men who happen to be their competitors. The study also conceives of ukuthwala as a cultural practice, and as a social construction that is gendered; it adopts zero tolerance to the abduction of young women. The study suggests that if all stakeholders work together through the process of collaboration, interventions are possible and criminals can be sanctioned. The study recommends further research of issues pertaining to culture, sex, sexuality, gender, masculinities and ukuthwala, in order to support an intervention into the socialization of boys, to help them in making informed decisions before engaging in ukuthwala.
Exploring Festac Town, Lagos residents’ observations on crime and the influx of unskilled migrants from Northern Nigeria and other illegal migrants from Sahel Region.
(2022-12-03) Akpan, Udoh James.; Bello, Paul Oluwatosin.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
In recent times, Lagos State, Nigeria, has been faced with a myriad of security challenges which is manifest in the increase of crime in Festac Town, a Lagos State middle-class suburb. These crimes are exacerbated by the influx of unskilled Nigerians from far northern part of Nigeria and illegal migrants from other African countries, particularly from the Sahel areas known as the G5 Sahel countries —Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad due to the many challenges faced by them which include chronic insecurity, lack of economic prospects, poor access to education, inadequate job opportunities and inadequate essential services such as water and electricity. Such incursions are believed to have significant security implications for Nigeria in general, and Festac Town in Lagos State in particular since most of these migrants more often unskilled and undocumented drift into the state, and then into Festac Town because of its economic opportunities. The activities of these unskilled and undocumented migrants have coloured how residents perceive them in the state. The objective of this study therefore was to explore the observations of residents of Festac Town, Lagos. Using a qualitative approach, a structured interview was done with participants in Festac Town. Mobilising the rational choice theory, the study explored and analysed the citizens‘ perceptions of illegal and unskilled migrants in the Festac area of Lagos State. The findings indicated, among others, that security concerns such as increase in crime, mostly violent crime, and political narratives like a ‖Fulani agenda‖ to take over Nigeria are significant observations that were found to shape citizens‘ views of undocumented and unskilled migrants from far northern Nigeria in their locality. The implications of the findings raise the need for an effective and unbiased policing approach; effective management of Fulani migrants from the North to the South of Nigeria, and other illegal migrants and their activities which will include handing illegal ones over to the Immigration Service; the rehabilitation of the skilled ones from Nigeria, and repatriation of the unskilled ones to their respective states of origin in collaboration with their home governments for resettlement and skill acquisition programmes.
Exploring students' perceptions on the nature and incidence of crime on university on-campus residence.
(2016) Makhaye, Mandisa Samukelisiwe.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
For decades crime has been an issue faced by different communities on a daily basis. With ever evolving dynamics within communities, crime has found a way to change and become a much more serious problem within societies, institutions and the country at large. This research, which was conducted at one of the University of KwaZulu Natal campuses (Howard College), showed that students faced victimisation throughout their academic careers. However, students enrol at universities with the shared dream of ensuring a secure and better future for themselves. Many students sacrifice much and go to great lengths to find their niche in the academic world. One facility that universities make available to students is student residences. However, these places of student accommodation are reportedly becoming crime zones where many students feel unsafe. The main aim of the study was therefore to explore university students’ perceptions of the nature and incidences of crime in on-campus residences. It is an undeniable fact that residences no longer offer safe accommodation for students. Daily routines and changing environments create an atmosphere that is conducive to criminal activity. The question that was therefore addressed was: What are the contributing factors and how can this violence be effectively dealt with? This research revealed that various dynamics impacted crime at university on-campus residences and that this was a common problem across different institutions. For instance, perpetrators of crime in campus residences were both fellow students and community members that infiltrated residences from the neighbouring community. It was concluded that theft, burglary and sexual assault were the most problematic crimes. Although the majority of crimes were not life-threatening in nature, they did affect student’s social and academic lives.