Masters Degrees (Criminology and Forensic Studies)

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An investigation into drug use amongst pupils in selected Indian high schools in the Durban municipal area.
(1990) Pillay, Krisandren.; Graser, Roland Rudolf.
This is a thesis on drug use among Indian high school pupils in the Durban municipal area. This study was undertaken because of the high incidence of drug use reported among Indian youth, and because of the paucity of factual information and research on the subject, in South Africa. The objectives of this investigation were to obtain scientific and objective information on the dynamics and causal factors associated with the use of drugs. The findings were compared to those of existing studies. The sample comprised of 128 drug users and 128 non-users, selected from ten Indian secondary schools in the Durban municipal area. The data from drug-users and non-users was obtained through the use of a confidential questionnaire. School guidance counsellors assisted with the administration and distribution of the questionnaires. In this investigation the researcher compared the biographical details of both drug users and non-users. It was concluded that drug users and non-users came from divergent socio-economic backgrounds, although drug users tended to be more represented among the lower socio-economic group. In this investigation it was established that male pupils showed more preference for the use of drugs than female pupils, and the average age of the drug users appeared to be between 15-17 years. Although unfavourable family background was slightly more prevalent among the drug users, they did not account completely for significantly more drug use, since non-users who suffered from the same plight of unfavourable home background, did not resort to the use of drugs. Drugs that were most commonly used by respondents in this survey included dagga, inhalants, Mandrax and codeine. It also appeared that the influence of the peer group contributed significantly to most of the pupils initiation into drug use. It was also reported that most of the drug users indicated that they had received some information on the negative aspects of drug-taking from teachers, parents and law enforcement officials, however, some of the pupils felt that the information they received, did not really influence their behaviour and attitudes to drugs. It is hoped that the findings of the present study will be of benefit to all concerned individuals, and that it will stimulate greater awareness and responsiveness to the problem of drug use, and the inherent problems with regard to the management thereof.
Community engagement of local space in crime mapping and policing of informal settlements : a study of Cato Crest informal settlement.
(2012) Singh, Shalendra.; Marks, Monique.; Hargovan, Hema Keshavlal.
In any country where there are informal settlements, crime prevention and combat is, to a great extent, determined by the availability of reliable information about crime and about the physical environment in which it occurs. Of equal importance in reducing crime is accurate reporting on the behalf of the public and accurate mapping of crime incidences on the part of the police. Informality makes such information gathering, reporting and mapping extremely challenging. Street level geocoding match rates are lower in informal settlements areas compared to formal urban areas, due to the fact that these areas are unplanned without any road networks or proper address points. To determine the success or otherwise of measures taken to control crime in informal settlements, it is necessary for a system to be in operation whereby crime can be geocoded to a specific location. The integration of community local knowledge with Geographic Information Systems can help populate urban-based geospatial databases for informal settlement crime mapping, and a mental mapping exercise can contribute by the identification of landmarks which can be geocoded. The aim of this research was to establish how community understandings and constructions of their local geography can contribute to ‘official’ police crime mapping and, consequently, to the improvement of policing in informal settlements. In order to achieve this research objective, community ‘mind maps’ were explored through focus groups and these were correlated with police geocoding and mapping systems. The aim here was to explore whether and how these systems can work together in dealing more effectively with crime and in enhancing police-community relations in informal settlement areas. A key finding of this research was that, coming together or integration between community generated mapping information and conventional GIS methodologies, has the potential to completely transform the way in which informal settlements crimes are mapped.
A multivariate criminological analysis of the self-esteem of repeat offenders.
(2012) Cronje, Matthew.; Peacock, Robert.
The correctional experience of adult offenders has largely been ignored in comparison to youth and adolescent offenders in the correctional literature and even more so in terms of repeated offending behaviour. The perspective that self-esteem is also considered an important behavioural motivator and outcome of life experiences is reflected in the high amount of inclusion it enjoys as a treatment outcome in numerous correctional rehabilitation programmes. However, the dearth of research on the level of self-esteem of repeat offenders internationally and in the South African context does not reflect the importance of this relationship and with a 95% recidivism rate in South African prisons one can understand the need for investigation into this phenomenon. Descriptive, comparative and explanatory analyses were conducted using the self-concept theory of Carl Rogers to guide the research. A purposive sample of 73 male repeat offenders from correctional centres in the Zululand area of the KwaZulu-Natal province were included in the study. Self-esteem was assessed through the use of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (Adult Form) and relative theoretical and empirical perspectives were utilised in the development of a questionnaire used to quantitatively assess multiple variables related to self-esteem and repeat offending behaviour. The level of self-esteem was therefore assessed in terms of the type of offence/s committed by the participants and in relation to a number of demographic (age, education, marital status, number of children and childhood socioeconomic status), psychosocial (parental closeness, parental availability, need for acceptance, familial abuse and treatment by community upon release) and correctional (exposure to correctional environment, experience of victimisation inside the correctional facility, visitations, conditions of the correctional centres and programme participation) variables. Inferential (t-tests, ANOVA and correlations) and descriptive (means, standard deviations and frequency distributions) statistical analyses were utilised to compare the self-esteem scores of the participants and provide a general description of the characteristics of the sample respectively. The reliability of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (Adult Form) was also assessed producing a Cronbach alpha of .69 indicating that it was a reliable measure of self-esteem in the South African correctional context. The results indicated that the self-esteem scores of South African repeat offenders varied significantly in terms of offence type with aggressive offenders showing significantly higher levels of self-esteem than sexual, economic, narcotic and “other” offenders. Participants from the remaining offending categories did not show significant differences in self-esteem between one another. Demographic variables (age, education, marital status, number of children and childhood socioeconomic status) were not found to have a significant effect on self-esteem scores. Psychosocial variables related to familial relations (parental closeness and parental availability) were not found to be significantly different despite clear patterns emerging indicating an increase in self-esteem when parental bonds were strong and parents were perceived as available during childhood. The analysis of data related to the need for acceptance by friends and family members indicated that despite the repeated offending nature of the sample that there was still a degree of acceptance with conventional norms and values. Self-esteem was also seen to improve with perceptions of community support and fairness of treatment by community upon release. Experiences of abuse prior to incarceration and victimisation within the correctional facility were seen to negatively affect self-esteem however time and context related variables were determined to play a mediating role due to the increased effect witnessed for experiences that were more recent. Further correctional variables analysed showed increases in self-esteem in terms of prolonged exposure to the correctional environment, and increase in the frequency of visitations and positive perceptions of satisfaction with the conditions in the correctional centres. Programme participation was was however found to have no significant effect on self-esteem. Recommendations formulated for future research included the need for a longitudinal research design and the incorporation of contextual data in the form of non-offending control groups for the establishment of cultural norms and values through the use of qualitative interviews. The generally negative life experiences of repeat offenders were concluded to increase the need for the use of psychological defences and the creation of an increasingly false reality in an attempt to maintain some form of psychological consistency.
A quantitative analysis of juvenile delinquency trends among school going adolescents in a select sample of secondary schools in Chatsworth, Durban.
(2014) Marimuthu, Bonita Adele.; Gopal, Nirmala Devi.
This quantitative study explores juvenile delinquency trends among school going adolescents in a select sample of schools. The study conducted in Chatsworth, Durban (Kwa Zulu-Natal) was developed as an exclusively Indian Township in the 1960‘s but since the 1990s more and more Africans moved into the area. Nonetheless Chatsworth remains predominantly ‗Indian‘ in terms of its demography and character. Permission and ethical approval for this study were obtained from the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee of the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal- Howard College Campus. The study consisted of a sample of 750 respondents randomly selected from two secondary schools in Chatsworth. A non-probability sampling method was followed. The main aim of this exploratory study was to understand trends in juvenile delinquency among adolescents in the area of Chatsworth through a quantitative lens. The study was carried out through coded self-administered questionnaires, administered to Grade 8,9,10, and 11 learners with the assistance of the educators at the identified schools during the Life-Orientation class periods. This study revealed that there were significant correlations between gender (male and female) and modes of punishment; norm violations; regulation violations; and malicious damage to property, followed by age (13-18 years) and modes of punishment; norm violations, and regulation violations, race (African, Indian, Coloured, White, Other) and modes of punishment; norm violations and regulation violations, and lastly religion (Christian, Hindu, Islam and Nazareth) and modes of punishment; regulation violations and malicious damage to property. The findings in this study forms a critical empirical study for future research in the field of juvenile delinquency/offending.
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.
Constructing crime online : representations of violent crime, perpetrators and victims on a South African news aggregator : News24.
(2014) Monyepao, Frederick Dikoetje.; Gopal, Nirmala Devi.
This study explores the representation of violent crime on an online news environment. The involvement of moral entrepreneurs within the news media in combating crime is also investigated. News media is the main source of information for national and international events. Policies tend to be influenced by what the media report on, so research into the new online platform of news production is important. The research design took on an interpretive paradigm, leading to a qualitative method of research. Discourse and linguistic analysis was used for the interpretation of the data collected from an online news aggregator News24. The data was in the form of online news articles. The literature showed that the commercial motives of news agencies outweigh the information providing services thereof. Profit is guaranteed by focusing on heinous crimes that are sensationalised. Results show the interplay between moral entrepreneurs and news media as unexplored in South Africa, hence the lack of inclusion criminal justice system agencies in news articles except when the journalist is furthering commercial agendas. Victims and perpetrators were clearly stereotyped, more so perpetrators who were portrayed as inherently evil and seeking to only to do harm to moral members of society. Law enforcement and the media can coexist while serving two similar yet different tasks. It is recommended that law enforcement agencies help bridge the gap by being more open to the media. Communication needs to be established between law enforcement agents and news agents in order to have a positive influence on crime policies and combat crime more effectively.
An examination of the implementation of Khulisa Social Solutions' juvenile diversion programmes in KwaZulu-Natal.
Ntshangase, Nondumiso.; Gopal, Nirmala Devi.
The practice of diversion has grown and spread throughout South Africa. The Child Justice Act (75 of 2008) contributed considerably to the formal practice of diversion and has helped diversion service providers to better implement juvenile diversion. This study aimed at examining the implementation of Khulisa‟s juvenile diversion programmes in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The theories framing this study were: the theory of Differential Association by Edwin Sutherland and the labelling theory. The objectives of this study were to examine the implementation of the Positively Cool and the Silence the Violence programmes, and to determine the challenges faced by Khulisa in implementing these programmes. To achieve these objectives, the study adopted a qualitative research paradigm where purposive sampling was used to locate the files of divertees. Data was collected from the database and 32 case files of Khulisa divertees with the age range of 12-17 years. The sample contained divertees from different race groups including; Black (15), Indian (14), Coloured (2) and White (1). Data was analysed using the qualitative content analysis method. The findings of the study revealed that Khulisa implements their programmes in line with the Child Justice Act. Prevalent issues affecting the implementation of these programmes as identified from the case files were; reasons for juvenile offending which included peer pressure, individual factors, economic circumstances, social circumstances, catalysts for offending behaviour, drugs and alcohol use, circumstantial offending and stress and negative labels. Other factors impacting on the programmes were: family support, group work, diversion as a form of restorative justice and programme compliance with the Child Justice Act. Challenges encountered by Khulisa when implementing diversion programmes included issues of having to deal with the harsh socio-economic circumstances of divertees, lack of parental support, recidivism and challenges in facilitating group work. Furthermore, recommendations were made for the practice of diversion programmes, policy and legislation, and future research.
A victimological analysis on the role and function of the International Criminal Court with specific reference to the participationrights of victims.
Murhula, Bashizi Bashige.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The International Criminal Court (hereinafter ICC) is a permanent international judicial tribunal which plays a vital role in combating international crimes. It was established in 1998 by the international community after much effort and negotiation. The creation of the ICC made a significant change in International Criminal Justice. The Rome Statute instituted the ICC as a lasting organization with authority over persons committing international crimes. The Rome Statute of the ICC has been designed as a broad victims’ participation scheme. Even though it is addressed as a significant and effective mechanism for giving victims of international crimes a voice, the procedural and substantive detail are far from being settled. The aim of this paper is to give a critical overview on victims’ participatory scheme within the ICC. It analyses what meaningful participation denotes and the interpretation of victims’ participatory rights at the International Criminal Court. The paper critically reviews suggestions to amend the way in which victims may participate in court proceedings at the ICC. The findings from this paper illustrate which kind of amendments have to be done on victims’ participatory scheme within the ICC to fit victims’ satisfaction.
A victimological exploration of the victimisation vulnerability of a group of foreign nationals in the city of Durban.
(2015) Cinini, Samuel Fikiri.; Yusuf, Shaka.
The reasons for leaving home are complex, but the majority of respondents acknowledged political-economy as one of the major reasons for leaving their home to search for a better life. In South Africa, the country, is politically and economically stable in comparison to other African countries, hence the choice of South Africa for black Africans who migrate. However, previous studies have shown that although attitudes towards non-nationals vary across South Africa’s socio-economic and ethnic spectrum, there is strong evidence that non-nationals living and/or working in South Africa face discrimination at the hands of citizens, governments officials, members of the police and private organisations contracted to immigration. The researcher explores the victimisation experiences of foreign nationals with the purpose to attract the attention of the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and Civil society activists, in order to raise the level of awareness. One of the objectives of this research was to explore the experiences of victims of xenophobia in the city of Durban, amongst groups of foreign nationals. The study focused on extensive literature review and the perceptions of participants who all have a shared experience of xenophobia. In conducting the literature review, the researcher used multiple information sources, including books, dissertations, internet resources, professional journals and periodicals. These sources were accessed through Google Scholar, EBSCOhost Web, JSTOR, ProQuest, Sabinet Reference, and Science Direct. The researcher also made use of the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) website and the South African Migrant Project (SAMP) website to gather information on previous publications of studies that have been conducted in this area of study. The researcher sought to understand the nature and frequency of the victimisation of foreign nationals, and also the impact of their victimisation as well as the nature and function of coping mechanisms employed by foreign nationals in the face of victimisation and victimisation vulnerability. A qualitative survey-based research design was used to identify the various meanings underlying the respondents’ perceptions of xenophobia and the causes ascribed to the phenomenon. This approach allowed the use of in-depth thematic content analysis, revealing more detailed descriptions and a deeper understanding of xenophobia in South Africa. The use of a qualitative method was meant to exploring the experiences of the victimisation of a group of foreign nationals in the city of Durban. Twenty participants of different nationalities were invited to participate in the study. Participants were 19 to 35 ages old who resided in the city of Durban over 2 years and have experienced victimisation. The researcher used purposive sampling and snowball technique. Hence, participants in this study were purposefully selected from their churches, shops, and work sites but others were identified through snowball technique. Data collection was based on semi-structured interviews conducted on an individual basis. For ethical reasons, only foreign nationals living legally in the city were interviewed. These are those with refugee status, asylum seekers holding temporary permit, and economic migrants with work permits. The first major finding of this research is that the majority 85% of respondents have been victims of crime. Crime such as petty crime, house breaking, and shop looting have been identified as the main crimes that a group of foreign nationals have experienced during their stay in the city of Durban. It has been noticed that most of the victimisation are perpetrated by black local citizens and that government officials are not much seen as perpetrators for these crimes as they are not in full contact with a group of foreign nationals. Amongst a group of 20 respondents, 80% of the respondents reported have never been victimised by any government official, accusing the department of home affairs (DHA) to be the only governmental institution victimising a group of foreign nationals as it can be seen in the findings of this study. Some of the findings in this research have demonstrated poorer psychological health condition such as depression, stress, trauma and isolation as the main problems a group of foreign nationals encounter during and in the aftermath of their victimisation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the impact of the victimisation on a group of foreign nationals in this study is mostly psychological than physical. Most of the respondents who have been victimised, have suffered psychological damage such as trauma, depression, stress and isolation, resulting in fear. Consequently, respondents have reported living in fear in the city of Durban, thinking that “what has happened will happen again”. In addition to psychological health condition, loss of properties during shop looting and house breaking can also be seen as economic loss which can still play a psychological side effect on the victims. Although, the findings of this study demonstrate the treatment of black local citizen against fellow black African foreign nationals, it cannot be concluded that only black local citizens discriminate against fellow black African, but in some extent, foreigners are discriminated against by almost all existing races in South Africa. , it can also be argued that not only black foreign nationals are victimised but also other foreign nationals from other continents of the globe do face lesser degree of discrimination. The differences in the level of xenophobia can be explained by the pull factors of immigrants in South Africa. Mostly, African foreigners leave their countries to South Africa for economic reason, they come to search for jobs, and many other opportunities, this put them into conflict of interest with local citizens who are still struggling for their well-being, unlike Europeans, Asians, and Americans who come to South Africa, most of them come for business purposes, for which they are mostly the bosses. Others come because their skills are in demand in some industries or companies operating within South Africa. Therefore, even though people from other continents can be perceived to undergo lesser degree of discrimination within the South African institutions as a form of xenophobia, the above claim can be considered as the reason why local citizens do not threaten or attack foreigners other than those coming from African continent. Nonetheless, there is the issue of abuse of hospitality, South Africans gave foreigners refuge, but it transpires from Westville prison statistics that many migrants are abusing the hospitality of South Africa. Hence there is a need of making some recommendations as to address this situation. Xenophobia should not only be blamed for the South African government inability to deliver, but African countries’ corruption lack of accountability and transparency leading to the massive African migrants who migrate to SA for a search of peace, human rights, democracy and job opportunities, whose burden goes to SA. As a consequence, the SA government failure to deliver to its own citizens basic social needs, education, health, housing and employment won’t be able to assist the massive surge of migrants from other African countries. Corruption and irresponsible African leadership has led to South African carrying the burden of the African migration done. Basically, if most countries are doing very well, less corruption, civil wars, the need to travel to another country will be reduced.
A victimological exploration of the programmes and services available to victims of trio-crimes in Durban Metropolitan Area.
(2015) Dlamini, Siyanda.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
This research was aimed at exploring and giving insight into the programmes and services available to victims of trio-crimes in the Durban Metropolitan Area. The motivation behind the study is that as a recently constitutional democracy, South Africa faces major challenges with the enforcement of the rule of law and with guaranteeing the protection of the citizen’s fundamental human rights. Post-Apartheid South Africa is founded on democratic values and the Constitution enshrines a range of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom and security. In light of these provisions, strengthened by international human rights jurisprudence, the South African government is accountable for the management of crime, and requires policies, strategies and programmes to carry out this responsibility. In ensuring that the goals of this study are achieved, a qualitative approach was used in this study that assisted to focus on the exploration of the programmes available to victims of Trio-Crimes within the City of Durban. Data collection for this study was based on semi-structured interviews conducted on an individual basis. It combined a set of pre-determined questions that enabled the interviewer to explore further particular themes and responses. In analysing the data collected, thematic analysis method was utilised. The effectiveness of thematic analysis was derived from the familiarisation of data by the researcher. This was possible because the researcher conducted tape recorded interviews and transcribed them, and it allowed the researcher to familiarise with the data for an in-depth and perceptive analysis. However, this research considered the common threads among the respondents that provided an opportunity to ascertain patterns that showed common cause or commonalities among the research participants. The main findings highlighted that there are programmes and services available to assist and empower victims of trio-crimes in the Durban Metropolitan Area; and such programmes and services are provided by different organisations within the city. It also indicated that these programmes and services are beneficial and effective, and they impact on a victims` life in a constructive manner. However, these victim support systems are deeply reliant upon volunteers for their execution.
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.
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.
Perceptions of the conviction rate of reported adult female rape in Verulam, Durban.
(2015) Nunlall, Reema.; Steyn, Jéan.;
As rape is ranked as one of the most prevalent crimes in South Africa, its causes and consequences have become the subject of a large body of research. However, statistics and research on what happens after a rape report are rare. An estimated 7 percent of sexual offence cases that were reported to the police in 2012/13 resulted in a conviction, suggesting that there are major problems in the system that are restricting victims from obtaining justice. With a paucity of research having been done on the process of a rape report to the conviction stage, it seems relevant that research on the outcome of rape reports deserves attention. Therefore, regardless of the relatively small scale of this research, it was at attempt to fill this void. Based on a qualitative research methodology, the study focused on establishing which factors hinder the achievement of a high conviction rate of rape perpetrators in Verulam, Durban. The research focused on reported adult female rape in a four-year period from 2009 to 2013. Fifteen criminal justice personnel participated in this study by answering a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire. A 5 percent conviction rate within the study period was identified, illustrating that rape victims are the most marginalised victims in society. Content data analysis indicated that the requirements for a conviction largely consist of extra-legal factors such as corroborative evidence, having qualified personnel, consistency, and court attendance. What is not surprising is that 'rape myths' and stereotyped notions are very active in the system; for example, if a woman sustains physical injuries or reported the violation soon after it occurred, she is deemed to be a ‘genuine’ rape victim. The fact that accused persons abscond from court proceedings whilst on bail was one of the obstacles highlighted by the respondents. Avoiding this obstacle can be achieved through an assessment of the South African legal system. Another major obstacle identified was the issue of the lack of expertise within the criminal justice system (CJS). However, there is potential to improve the conviction rate and a promising suggestion is specialisation in rape cases, specifically in terms of rape investigation, prosecution, and magistrates adjudicating the matter. For a positive change in the conviction rates and ensuring that victims attain justice, the actual implementation of the recommendations put forward in this study is necessary. However, further research is crucial, particularly research that can offer explanations for victims failing to attend court proceedings and for withdrawing their cases.
A comparative analysis of conventional themes of police culture perceptions : a sample of South African Police Service ‘detectives’ and ‘patrol officers’.
(2016) Nayager, Rivashia.; Steyn, Jéan.
The aim of the study was to report on a proportional examination amid a group of proactive (uniform) officers as well as reactive (detectives/plain clothes) officers from the South African Police Service (hereafter referred to as SAPS) in the Republic of South Africa for gauges exhibiting the presence or absence of conventional public police (sub)culture (herewith referred to as police culture) themes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism in terms of Van Maanen’s (1975) and Manning’s (1989) metamorphosis stage of police culture socialisation. The data for the current study were gathered between September 2013 and June 2014. Using a survey format, the research employed a non-experimental ex post facto research design. Overall, the study found relatively strong indicators evincing the presence of the police culture themes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism amongst a sample of five hundred and twenty (520) SAPS appointed police officers in the Republic of South Africa. Each of the respondents had a minimum of 10 years’ experience in the SAPS. More specifically, the study discovered no statistically significant differences among the police cultures solidarity, isolation and cynicism attitudes of patrol officers (proactive/uniform) and reactive (detectives/plain clothes) police officers. The findings of the study, although relatively limited, call into question the contemporary fashionable view (Fielding, 1989; Hobbs, 1991; Chan, 1997; Marks, 2005; O’Neil and Singh, 2007; Sklansky, 2007; Cockcroft, 2013) that new developments in policing have dramatically changed police culture and that orthodox universal homogenies of police culture are unhelpful, outdated and no longer make any sense. The study reports on a comparison of police culture themes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism attitudes among a sample of proactive officers (uniform section) and reactive (detective) SAPS officers in the Republic of South Africa.
An investigative study into the knowledge and perceptions of illicit drug trafficking into and within Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2016) Moodley, Livasha.; McCracken, Donal Patrick.
Studies have shown that drug traffickers and organised crime syndicates form transnational networks. They source drugs from one continent, traffic them to another and market them on the third. The drug trade is non-discriminant in its location. However, other than occasional media stories or annual police reports, little is known about the drug trade in South Africa, and particularly in Durban, South Africa‟s major port. Though drug abuse seems to be on the rise, gaps remain in knowledge concerning exactly where these drugs come from and how they are distributed. This study specifically addressed the knowledge of and perceptions about illicit drug trafficking in Durban. Theoretically, drugs could be received by air, sea, road or rail. This study was an attempt to establish exactly who brought illicit drugs into and distributed them within Durban, where this happened, and how it was accomplished. The investigation included the implications and the prevailing perceptions of this phenomenon. Additionally, an examination was conducted on the efficacy of existing local and national policy as well as regulatory frameworks dealing with illicit drug trafficking. The study employed a threefold mixed-method methodology, consisting of semi-structured interviews, ethnographic research (i.e., in Chatsworth) and a focus group interview that was conducted in Kharwastan. The interview participants ranged from police officers and the Organised Crime Unit personnel to airport and harbour officials, a drug dealer, an informant, and a pharmacist. The study site was located in Inanda, Chatsworth, Durban Harbour, King Shaka Airport (Cargo terminal), Phoenix, and Pietermaritzburg. A variety of themes were uncovered. The main thematic outcomes were the following: monetary reward is a motivating factor for trafficking in drugs; foreign residents are the main perpetrators of drug trafficking; a lack of proper boarder control in South Africa contributes to drug trafficking; unemployment is a contributing factor; a lack of family values and non-existent or weak parental influences are social and economic contributors to the drug trafficking phenomenon; and policies and legislation on drugs are met with a mixed response. Moreover, several participants spoke strongly of the need for a designated drug unit in South Africa. Due to the ever-changing nature of the drug market, it is vital that interventions be pliable and qualitative in nature. The scarcity of data on illicit drug trafficking in Africa, and particularly in South Africa, stands in the way of societies fully understanding the nature of this crime. Better data will result in better policies.
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.
School-based violence : are strategies of preventing school-based violence effective in Umlazi high schools?
(2016) Khani, Sindile.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Literature suggest that high levels of school-based violence are possibly a reflection of social disintegration which has negative consequences to both learners and teachers. According to the latest National School Violence Survey (NSVS) it is reported that 22 percent South African high school learners have been victims of violence within school boundaries (Burton and Leoschut, 2013). The survey indicates that 6.3 percent of South African learners have been assaulted at school. Physical violence being the highest reported concrete type of school-based violence in South African schools. It is significant to consider teachers’ perceptions towards the management of school-based violence. A quantitative methodology, characterized by a positivistic approach form the basis for this study. The study seeks to statistically describe teachers’ experiences and perceptions towards violence in schools. Data collection was done through a self-administered survey. This dissertation provides quantitative descriptive analysis of teachers’ experiences and perceptions towards learner-on-learner physical violence in twelve high schools in Umlazi township. The study investigates teachers’ perceptions regarding the nature and extent of school-based violence, and the causes of learner-on-learner physical assault in twelve high schools in Umlazi Township. The most prevalent form of learner-on-learner victimisation was bullying. The study found that the most reported causes to the prevalence of learner-on-learner violence in this study were the banning of corporal punishment, the overcrowding in classes, the high levels of unemployment in the community, and the lack of sufficient recreational activities The study also provides a qualitative account of teachers’ perceptions towards ways to manage learner-on-learner physical violence in Umlazi high schools. By making use of thematic analysis, respondents indicated a multi-factorial approach to deal with violence at schools. The need for capacity and developmental programmes for learners and the importance of enforcing the school code of conduct with consistent disciplinary measures indicated as most salient themes to manage violence between learners. By understanding the educational personnel perceptions and experiences about learner-on-learner physical violence at schools, intervention strategies can be developed to promote effective management of school-based violence in conflicted schools, thereby contributing to the maintenance of school safety.
“From political wars to taxi wars”: investigating the transition of taxi violence in a low-income urban community in the Mpumalanga Township, South Africa.
(2016) Ngubane, Londeka Princess.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Taxi violence is a fundamental challenge in South Africa. Most disturbing is the prevalence of innocent passengers, including children, who become the victims of this form of violence. The main aim of this study was to investigate the transition of taxi violence in a new democratic South Africa and to suggest ways in which the country should deal with the issue of taxi violence. The study argues that issues around taxi routes, rank space, the poaching of passengers from one taxi association by another, as well as greed, remain major contributing factors to ongoing taxi conflicts. This thesis presents a comprehensive interpretation of the transition of the minibus-taxi industry over various periods and the conflicts and violence that have overwhelmed it since the advent of the minibus-taxi industry. In an attempt to comprehensively understand the growth, the developments, as well as the fundamental issues affecting taxi violence, a comprehensive historical overview of the minibus-taxi industry and the challenges that have plagued it is presented. The overview covers significant sequential periods, namely 1977-1987; 1987-1994; 1994-1999; and 1999 to date. The research study thus focused on the transition and development of the minibus-taxi industry and its related violent conflicts within the years of apartheid and since its demise. An analysis of the apartheid Government’s efforts to resolve the conflicts and complications in the minibus-taxi industry is followed by an investigation of the new democratic Government’s attempts to implement various strategies that would remedy the situation. Such strategies have seen the transformation, formalization as well as the deregulation of the taxi industry in South Africa. Particular foci of the investigation were the nature of and the connection that existed among taxi violence, taxi owners and law enforcement agencies. Therefore, in addition to a comprehensive literature review, interviews were conducted with fifteen taxi drivers in an attempt to illuminate the current causes of taxi violence from taxi drivers’ perspective. It was envisaged that the interviews would offer in-depth insights into the respondents’ opinions and perceptions of current issues relating to taxi violence in the minibus-taxi industry. This qualitative data collection method utilised semi-structured interviews. The interview schedule contained both open-ended and close-ended questions. The findings were analysed by means of a thematic analysis process which was utilized as a means of making sense of the data by extracting various emerging themes. Two significant theories underpinned this study, namely the conflict theory and the labeling theory. The findings revealed that, despite the demise of apartheid, taxi violence still remains a major challenge in the South African minibus-taxi industry. The research study was conducted in Mpumalanga township, which is a low-urban community settlement in the eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The interview data corroborated the findings of previous studies as it was found that perpetrators of taxi violence are predominantly taxi owners who contest ‘ownership’ of lucrative routes.
Analysis of the radicalisation of Islam : case studies from South Africa and the United Kingdom.
(2017) Maharajh, Annika.; De Wet, Johan Andrew.
Radicalisation is a problem to which no country is immune. It is a dramatic shift in behaviour and attitude that carries undesirable consequences such as the breakdown of families, communities, and democracies – with the ultimate consequence being terrorism. The growing concern of Islamic radicalisation and the impact it can possibly have underscores the focus of the current study. It also speaks to issues around religious freedom and the broader fight against terrorism. It will be looking into the commonly cited causes of radicalisation and the psychological processes involved in an individual’s path to radicalism. The research was approached from a constructionist orientation meaning that individuals shape their reality based on their beliefs and interactions with other people and the world. The study examines radicalisation within a paradigm focused on a combination of criminological and psychological principles, to produce a contextualised study on Islamic radicalisation. Case studies from South Africa and the United Kingdom will be assessed with the theoretical frameworks of Moghaddam’s Staircase to Terrorism (2005) and the Root Cause Model (Veldhuis & Staun, 2009) to demonstrate the universality of the phenomenon of radicalisation. The study rests on the idea of instrumental rationality found in rational choice theory with the objective of assessing South Africa’s risk to radicalisation based on micro and macro factors. The research found that the factors, which result in radicalisation, are many and complex, and may not be reduced to a single cause. Although one factor that seems to play a very significant role is identity, more specifically the need to belong, be accepted and to have a purpose. In other words, the radical religious ideology provides vocabulary and a bolstered identity, whereas politics provide the stimulus. The ideology of the group is not as important as what the group is offering the individual in terms of acceptance and a platform for expression. This study, as previously stated is about Islamism due to global concern, although it could have been about any radical organisation or movement. It is recommended that discussions about religion, identity, foreign policy and politics be encouraged especially amongst younger people. These discussions should not be weakened by political correctness, or when a radical view is expressed, the fear of censure. All ideologies are, and should be open to questioning and investigation. The researcher understands that this topic may be misunderstood – implying that there is a heightened risk posed by specific groups. It is hoped that the substance of the study will prove otherwise, with the researcher maintaining a secular view throughout.
Renegotiating body image and sexuality after surviving breast cancer: narratives of young Black African women.
(2016) Nzuza, Nokwanda Yoliswa.; Naidu, Uma Maheshvari.
This study provides a contemporary contextualisation of the challenges that young Black African women face once they are diagnosed with breast cancer. It focuses particularly on 15 young Black African women in the age category of 24 and 40 living in Durban, South Africa. Using the interpretative paradigm, social identity theory as well as social construction theory, this study analyses young women’s understanding of their bodies as ‘African assets’ before and after breast surgery. This study used data collection methods such as focus groups, open-ended interviews, and observations to collect thick descriptions of the challenges that have been faced by young women, as well as stories of how the women have renegotiated their body image and sexuality. The findings of this study indicated that sociocultural expectations play a vital role in how young Black women understand themselves as individuals, partners, and family members. The findings also reveal that women are led to believe that ‘real’ African women can be seen through their appearance and physical attributes. The young women shared a common understanding of how Black African men prioritised when choosing potential partners. This construction of a women’s body was understood to be challenged once young Black African women started cancer treatment as this affected their physical and emotional well-being through medical challenges such as breast reconstruction, hair loss, depression and infertility. In an attempt to preserve their African assets and fertility, this study reports on the traditional and spiritual measures that young women engaged in with the help of traditional healers and spiritualists, to renegotiate their body image and sexuality.

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