Masters Degrees (Criminology and Forensic Studies)

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An exploratory study of violent behaviours perpetrated against homeless people: a case study of Durban Central Business District.
(2023) Mthembu, Nosipho Nombulelo.; Sibisi, Nomakhosi Nomathemba.
Abstract available in PDF.
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.
Analysis of Independent Police Investigative Directorate investigators’ experiences of the application of Section 28(1)(f) of the IPID mandate, torture and assault, by police officials in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2017) Hadebe, Philisiwe Nicole.; Gopal, Nirmala Devi.
The South African Police Service officers have informally incorporated the operational methods of torture and assault in the execution of their duties in the reformed police service of South Africa. This historical conversation of police torture and assault has generated a debate over what constitutes torture and what has caused the persistence of this blunder in the police service. This study went a step further by exploring accountability mechanisms that are in place to reduce incidences of torture and assault. The investigation entailed an analysis of the effectiveness of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) strategies and challenges encountered by investigating officers in addressing section 28(1)(f) of the IPID mandate. The analyses of the experiences of the selected IPID investigating officers strove to determine the nature of police torture and assault in this country’s democratic dispensation and to determine the stumbling blocks that exist in the SAPS and IPID organisations for the reduction of police torture and assault in KwaZulu-Natal. This study adopted a qualitative interpretive phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten (n=10) IPID investigating officers whose investigations were guided by section 28(1)(f) of the IPID mandate in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The participants were selected by means of the purposive sampling technique. Using a thematic analysis approach, the study revealed that assault in KwaZulu-Natal province includes slapping, kicking and punching a suspect whereas torture constituted strangulation, suffocation, electrocution and tubing and occurred predominantly when the police were searching for information about dagga, firearms and undetected suspects. The influx of cases of torture and assault is the outcome of several problems, namely public’s lack of understanding of the police procedures, public provoke the police, excessively volatile raids, inadequate police training as it does not address the challenges that the police experience in their occupational setting, and management pressure on the police to meet projected targets for firearm or drug retrieval. More specifically, the study also found that, in addressing the issue of police torture and assault, IPID investigating officers encountered various challenges such as a lack of evidence from complainants, lack of police cooperation, lack of complainants’ cooperation in the investigation, and lack of resources. The findings thus suggest that investigation strategies in terms of police brutality are ineffective due to investigative challenges. This in turn renders the disciplinary and criminal conviction strategies ineffective in ensuring police accountability. As a result, torture and assault by police officers are perpetuated.
An analysis of occupational stress amongst South African Police Services detectives working on murder cases: a case study of Inanda Police Station.
(2019) Sibisi, Nonhle Tracey.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.; Murhula, Bashizi Bashige.
Background: Assistance to employees to maintain a work-life balance has been increasingly recognised as a goal for law enforcement agencies around the world, especially during the last decade. The intense and continuous physical and emotional work demands generate stressors in organisations and employees’ lives. While stress is unavoidable, occupational stressors should be limited and support structures should be effective in equipping workers with coping mechanisms. Policing remains a profession with high exposure to incidents that can trigger stress. The purpose of this study was to analyse occupational stress amongst South African Police Service detectives responding to murder cases. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Data were collected from eight (n=8) murder detectives in the South African Police Service and 2 employees from the Employee, Health and Wellbeing services. Eight (8) murder detectives were located at Inanda Police Station, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and employee health and well-ness practitioners interviewed. The sample was obtained using purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and recorded with a voice recorder. The data were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings: The study found that nature of stress among detectives depends on their work tasks such as exposure to traumatic crime scenes and a high workload. The factors that contribute to occupational stress in murder detectives in Inanda were found to be inherent in the nature of their job (high workload), organisation (career development, lack of resources and lack of effective coordination within the SAPS) and community (demographics of the community and lack of cooperation from the community), resulting in such challenges as psychological, cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. Most detectives do not consider the available support structures as being effective due to the unavailability of employee, health and well-ness practitioners and lack of time to utilise support services. Implications: Based on the findings, it is recommended that employee health and wellness practitioners should improve their marketing strategies in order for detectives to be aware of their support services. It is also important for employee health and wellness practitioners to understand the daily activities of detectives and formulate programmes that will be effective and accessible to them.
An analysis of psychosocial factors of psychoactive illicit substance use in a select sample in Chatsworth.
(2018) Umra, Anira.; Gopal, Nirmala Devi.
“Drug addiction has reached epidemic levels across the globe with approximately 247 million drug users worldwide” (World Drug Report, 2016). Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) (2017) uncovered that approximately 15.3 million people have been diagnosed with drug use disorders caused by the use and abuse of psychoactive illicit substances. Psychoactive illicit substances directly affect pathways in the brain, thus causing changes in the moods, behaviour, consciousness and overall thought processes of individuals. The use of these illicit substances places substantial economic, mental and health-related burdens on societies all over the world (WHO, 2004:7-10). The South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use report (Dada, Burnhams, Erasmus, Parry, Bhana, Timol, & Fourie, 2017:1-2) found that illicit psychoactive substance use is an ageless social phenomenon. Substance abuse problems have been found to affect the youth and people right into their eighties (South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Report, 2017). It was against this backdrop that the current research was constructed. With the aim of investigating psychological and social factors (psychosocial) related to illicit psychoactive substance use in Chatsworth near Durban, South Africa. Data were elicited from 62 respondents who were enrolled in addiction support and therapy programs at ADF. The research took cognizance of the location (i.e., the study area) when examining the psychosocial factors related to psychoactive substance use. Three main theories were used to inform the theoretical framework of this research and in the analysis of the results; Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, the social bond theory and the social disorganisation theory. Erikson stages of psychosocial development were used understand the psychological factors, social bond theory was use to understand the social factors and lastly the social disorganisation theory was used when trying to understand the role of the location in psychoactive illicit substance use. The combinations of theories were also used to understand different dimensions of psychoactive illicit substance use. Finding from the research showed that half of the respondents (50%) believed that members of the police were involved with local drug dealers. Key psychosocial findings included; the use of illicit substances in escapism, as a stress-related coping mechanism. In addition findings showed that there was a high percentage of awareness of local dealers. Respondents claimed knowledge of other users in the community as well as awareness of viii common psychoactive substances in the community. Respondents indicated that they were influenced to use illicit substances by either family members’ or friends’ use of illicit substances. This research offers recommendations that speak to the possible use of the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), as a coping strategy that could reduce negative emotional responses associated with stress. A further recommendation is for Community organisations such as youth support groups, school counsellors, the community policing forums and community social workers to work collaboratively to provide awareness workshops and support programs.
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.
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.
An analytical study of xenophobic attacks in South African universities/tertiary institutions with specific reference to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Durban University of Technology (DUT)
(2019) Maseko, Nonjabulo.; Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.
There is growing concern with xenophobia, an act of perpetuating the violation of human rights. Xenophobia has negative implications on the teaching community. This study explores the nature and prevalence of xenophobia in South African higher learning institutions. The Social Learning Theory adopted in the study explains that xenophobic behaviours practised by the South African communities at large are transferred into the vicinity of higher learning institutions through being socially learned from public members who possess hatred towards foreign nationals. Moreover, the Realistic Group Conflict Theory adopted in this study explains how xenophobia is constituted due to competition for university jobs, scholarships and the perceived threat of foreign nationals’ getting higher marks and recognition than South African students. In exploring the nature and prevalence of xenophobia within higher learning institutions, the study explored the perceptions of Black foreign national students studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Durban University of Technology, South Africa. Using qualitative individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews, the study revealed that xenophobia is a common reality within both universities. The findings further uncovered that the nature of xenophobia within higher learning institutions is often expressed through discriminatory practices and name-calling. The study findings further revealed that university staff and students often perpetuate acts of xenophobia. The xenophobic attacks are either verbal or emotional and not physical as it is often the case with the broader South African communities. As a result, reporting xenophobic attitudes and behaviours becomes problematic. The study recommends that the implementation of laws that relate to xenophobia as an offence can lower xenophobic attacks and secondary victimisation when students attempt to report incidents of xenophobia. Another recommendation is that of establishing a xenophobia helpline in universities through which international students who are victimised can call to report victimisation.
An assessment of weather patterns on property-related crimes in Newlands East policing area, Durban.
(2018) Mbonambi, Nokukhanya Neptune.; Dlamini, Siyanda.
It is in the best interest of community members, as well as policy makers to comprehend the factors that influence crime while not solely focusing on the effectiveness of the available strategies. This study aimed at exploring the South African Police Services (SAPS) perceptions on weather patterns as a contributory factor to residential burglary in the Newlands East Policing Area of Durban. The motivation behind this study was based in safety within the selected community, mainly focusing on burglary at residential burglary premises because this crime has seen the highest reported property-related crime in the area for the past five years (2012-2016). It was also underpinned by the National Developmental Plan (NDP) of attempting to build safer communities by 2030. In ensuring that the aim of this study was achieved, a qualitative research designed was used, which assisted the researcher to focus on the exploration of weather patterns on burglary in a residential setting. Data collection for this study was based on semi-structured interviews conducted on an individual basis with selected participants. It combined a set of pre-determined questions that enabled the interviewer to explore further particular themes and responses. The findings of this study revealed that residential burglary increase and decrease in relation to different weather conditions within the location of this study. Overall, it can be concluded that weather patterns are indeed a contributory factor to residential burglary. It also suggested that police officials have developed strategies against weather patterns on residential burglary. However, the challenge lies in the communities’ co-operation in fighting this kind of crime.
Bouncers’ interaction with patrons in five Durban nightclubs: effectiveness and patrons’ perceptions of bouncers.
(2017) Mbhele, Nkosingiphile Modeccai.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) is responsible for regulating and monitoring the private security sector. This was established in terms of section 2 of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act of 2002. The mandates and principles originating from this Act drove the regulations that currently guide the private security industry. Nightclubs in South Africa have relied heavily on private security companies to protect their property and ensure the safety of patrons during busy nights. However, as far back as 2003, Hobbs, Hadfield, Lister and Winlow (2003) stated that nightclubs and the nighttime economy generally were left unregulated with many activities revolving around a sea of alcohol. Because there is a plethora of evidence that links alcohol and violence, it is important to understand the relationship between bouncers and patrons, as well as the role and competence of bouncers in this relationship, from a scholarly perspective. Bouncers are key players in maintaining safety and security at nightclubs, thus this study investigated the relationship between bouncers and patrons and their respective perspectives on the extent of violence and aggression that occur in nightclubs as places of entertainment where alcohol is sold. The study identified 30 participants by utilising a non-probability sampling method. Of the 30 participants, 10 bouncers were sampled using the purposive sampling technique. Nine bouncers were male and one was female. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to elicit the views of bouncers. Moreover, 20 undergraduate students who had attended any one of the five nightclubs under study were sampled using the convenience sampling technique. Focus group interviews were conducted with undergraduate students at the Howard campus, University of Kwa Zulu -Natal. In this process, males and females were interviewed separately. The study revealed that bouncers generally responded positively regarding their relationship with patrons. However, some concluded that their attitude and behaviour depended on patrons’ behaviour. Bouncers indicated that they were compelled to deal with patrons in a physical manner at least once. Moreover, most of the bouncers had not received relevant security training and they were not in possession of PSIRA cards as recommended by PSIRA. Female patrons generally responded that bouncers conducted their duties correctly and effectively, which contradicted the views of male patrons. One male patron noted that the manner in which bouncers did their job depended on the environment. Neither the male nor the female participants were aware of PSIRA and its rules and regulations that bouncers should abide by. The majority thought that bouncers were only required to be big and physically fit. Some male patrons could recall positive experiences with bouncers, but the majority recalled negative experiences.
The combating of cable theft in Durban railway stations.
(2018) Nobanda, Liso.; Maluleke, Witness.; Maweni, Vuyelwa Kemiso.
The seriousness of cable theft in South African communities cannot be ignored; it highly deserves attention and quick interventions. The associated damages caused by this scourge are irreversible to the infrastructure of Durban rail stations of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in particular. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) in Durban is currently losing billions of rands resulting from cable thieves vandalising railway stations. However, the impact of cable theft further hampers economic growth and business productivity, directly curbing job creation in the process, leaving many residents in the surrounding squatter camps compromised, since trains cause delays on the railway stations, leaving commuters with no means of transport to and from work. This study assesses the nature of cable theft in Durban railway stations, looking at probable contributory factors to this crime. The study further examines the existing strategies (and their effectiveness) in response to cable theft as well as the existing challenges faced by Durban railway stations in combating cable theft. This study adopted a qualitative research approach through the use of semi-structured interviews to solicit perceptions and experiences of PRASA ‘Security Personnels – Cable theft investigators and cable theft railway patrollers’ involved in preventing and combating cable theft in Durban railway stations. The findings of this study confirmed that cable theft in Durban railway stations is a serious crime and the investigations conducted by these personnel (cable theft investigators and cable theft railway patrollers) revealed that when cables are stolen, the rail service normally shuts down, causing train derailments, among other problems. Furthermore, the study found that scrap metal dealers are the key contributors to cable theft in Durban railway stations as well as the shortage of resources, which include lack of manpower or police visibility and installed cameras. Lastly, the study found that the police normally lose dockets handed to them by PRASA cable theft investigators and there is a lack of internal and external (SAPS) reporting structures. For recommendations, this study proposes that more attention must be paid to scrap metal dealers by offering strict rules on the issuing of trading licences. Furthermore, severe sentences for possible offenders should be practiced, and better working relations should be established, with more resources geared to security departments. The implementation of relevant stakeholders’ partnerships and a branded ‘Cable Theft Specialised Unit’ could also assist in combating cable theft. The amendments of the existing legislative frameworks and alignment with technological advances and improvements would be of great assistance as well to put a stop to this crime.
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.
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 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.
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.
Correctional officials perceptions on male sexual assault in Westville Correctional Centre: an exploratory study.
(2018) Mthethwa, Nomathamsanqa.; Sibanyoni, Ephraim Kevin.
In correctional centres different types of sexual interactions and relationships occur between male offenders, most of these sexual interactions are commonly abusive, exploitative, and involves various degrees of coercion. Unlike males in the general community, literature show that males in correctional centres are disproportionately vulnerable to male sexual assault. Male offenders’ vulnerability to sexual assault is exacerbated by various factors including overcrowding, gang activity and lack of supervision. Correctional officials play a major role in the daily lives of offenders; significantly they influence the structure, culture, activities in correctional centres and are responsible for the safeguarding of offenders against offences such as male sexual assault. Nevertheless, correctional officials who hold negative perceptions /attitudes towards male sexual assault fail to effectively respond and manage incidents of sexual assault in the correctional centre. The focus of this study was on the perceptions of correctional officials on sexual assault amongst the male offenders in Westville Correctional Centre. The following were the objectives of the study: To explore awareness of male sexual assault between offenders among correctional officials in Durban, Westville Correctional Centre, South Africa; to explore the perceptions of correctional officials towards male sexual assault between male offenders in Westville Correctional Centre; to identify the current strategies that are in place to address male sexual assault in Westville Correctional Centre. The study employed a qualitative research approach to explore and describe the perceptions of officials, data was obtained through semi- structured interviews. The data was collected from a sample of 8 correctional officials from medium A- D, by using a purposive sampling technique. The collected data were transcribed and analysed through thematic analysis, which was used to develop themes that emerged. The findings depicted that correctional officials from Westville Correctional Centre are aware of the occurrence of male sexual assault in their respective mediums through reported cases. The study also found correctional officials view that in correctional centres it is possible for a male to be sexually assaulted and even though the correctional centres can implement strategies to curb male sexual assault, male offenders will always find an opportunity to commit this sexual offence.
A criminological analysis of the commission of cybercrime in the South African banking industry: a case study of cybercrime in banks in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2022) Pillay, Perushka.; Ntuli, Precious Nolwazi.
As expenditures in broadband infrastructure in developing countries have increased and barriers to internet access have decreased, this infrastructure has rapidly become a target for cybercrime. Developing countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and India have become the preferred destination for cybercriminals owing to their lack of cyber regulations and the prevalence of cybercrime illiteracy. Cybercrime has plagued numerous sectors in the South African landscape, one of which is the banking industry. This industry has experienced multiple types of cybercrime such as phishing, vishing, spams, identity theft, hacking, and malware. As all banks now rely on digital networks for their business operations, the risk of becoming a cybercrime victim has increased for both the banking industry and its clients. The focus of this study was to establish and analyse the causes of the increased rate of cybercrime in banks and to determine the effectiveness of legislation in addressing the threat posed by cybercrime to the banking industry. The study explored selected South African Police Service (SAPS) detectives’ experiences regarding cybercrime and ascertained these detectives’ views on factors that contribute to cybercrime within the banking industry. The researcher utilised a qualitative methodology as this approach allowed the elicitation of the view of various participants. The study could therefore focus on actual issues associated with cybercrime rather than on statistical significance. Ten detectives who investigated cybercrime in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal were interviewed and some intriguing findings concerning cybercrime were uncovered. The study revealed the prevalence of internal fraud within the banking industry, poor internal controls, ineffective processes and systems, banking clients’ lack of knowledge and awareness of the looming threat of cybercrime, low conviction rates for cybercriminals; and SAPS officials’ lack of skills in policing cybercrime in KwaZulu- Natal as some of the key factors that exacerbate cybercriminal activities in the banking industry. Based on the transnational character of cybercrime, it had been concluded that majority of the banks in South Africa and many other countries are under threat of cybercrime, and therefore they need to coordinate and implement a unified effort to tackle the growing threat of cybercriminal activities in the banking industry.
Criminological analysis on mechanisms used to control shoplifting in Durban Central Business District.
(2020) Singini, Olipa Josophine.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The act of taking consumer items from retail stores is deemed as punishable criminal offence. To date, there are high levels of consumer goods theft. Shoplifting can be dangerous in nature due to psychical alteration upon apprehension of the criminal, should they resist security. Physical alteration is not the only cause for concern, retail shrinkage and job loss due to bankruptcy can occur in cases of severe shoplifting. As a result, communities suffer the consequences of economic and social micro-levels. This study intended to identify the motivations behind shoplifting in Durban Central Business District by focusing on the victimization of the retail store and the store chosen prevention measures. This was a deliberate attempt to uncover whether retail stores and the communities are aware of such dangers. The Criminal Justice System and security department of the store are aware of such and have a number of preventative measures against shoplifting, in place. This study analysed shoplifting and the store prevention measures in Durban Central Business District. The main objective of the study was to analyse the impact of shoplifting within the Durban Central Business District. Whilst identifying the mechanisms that have been put into place to combat shoplifting in food and clothing retail stores, furthermore, assessing the effectiveness of these mechanisms within the retail stores are in curbing the high levels of shoplifting. Making sure to identify legislations used by the specific retail store in order to prevent shoplifting. In order to achieve this, a qualitative approach was used, in conjunction to convenient sampling and purpose sampling methods. Semi-structured Interviews where conducted on participants that were purposively selected. The data was then analysed thematically. Main findings of this study revealed that the issue of shoplifting in the DCBD was a geographical issue in accordance with the crime pattern theory, as well as gender based, were shops with female guards or female staff experienced higher levels of shoplifting than male staffed stores. Findings also highlighted that most crimes occurred when there were high volumes of traffic, the shops closer to the main network of people interaction. The Workshop Mall experienced more cases of shoplifting than the shops furthest away as it is not as crowed. The issue of shop theft is a great challenge to combat within the police and retail system, as a respondent confirmed that shoplifting is now a part of their everyday lives. The study revealed that shops have become accustomed to being victimized by offenders and have in place their own regulations and security measure. Other shops acknowledged the effectiveness of measures, whilst others denied any security measures in curbing shoplifting. Based on this study’s findings, the researcher recommends that SAPS needs to be visible in patrol areas around town to ensure that shoplifters are aware that a law enforcement official is on patrol. Police further ensure that they are highly responsive when a crime is reported. Retail businesses spend large sums of money on security measures to combat theft, therefore it is unfortunate when a criminal is released from police custody without any charges as shoplifters continue to steal. Also, organisations such as community safety, SAPS and retail stores should formulate programs that are aimed towards de-normalising the act of shoplifting in the Durban Central Business District and across other communities. Only the authority can safe guard a business by working together with it, which is one of the responsibility of a Criminal Justice System. A more severe punishment of five years from the judiciary system must be enforced, the reason stores keep being victimized is because a fine and a few months in jail is the only available punishment system in place. Furthermore, offenders tend to work in groups or a pair therefore constant inventory should be done in the retail stores the moment a crowd walks in, vigilance on the employees stuff and 3 months training programmes must be given.

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