An exploration of murder cases in Umlazi Township, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province from the perspective of the South African Police Service.

Abstract

This research explored the causes of murders in KwaZulu-Natal’s Umlazi township in Durban. The investigation focused on determining the nature and extent of homicides, identifying contributing factors, examining challenges faced by the South African Police Service in investigating murder cases, and reviewing current homicide prevention measures. Driven by a desire to understand the murder phenomenon in Umlazi, detailed data were gathered from selected participants. The findings will aid stakeholders in understanding the causes and factors that trigger murders, and the recommendations may help the SAPS develop effective preventive measures to reduce murder in Umlazi. To achieve the goals of this study, a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design was used. Data were collected from fourteen (14) murder detectives at the Umlazi police station, with one participant withdrawing. The remaining participants provided insights into the murder cases in Umlazi through interviews based on their first-hand experiences and understanding of the phenomenon. A purposive sampling method was applied, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant, recorded using a voice recorder. The data were then analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the nature of the murders in Umlazi was often brutal and traumatic resulting in psychological breakdowns among detectives. The study also found that murder incidences had significantly increased and were continuing to rise compared to earlier years. The primary contributing factors were alcohol and drug use, with robberies being a lesser factor. Detectives faced numerous challenges, including a lack of witness cooperation, heavy caseloads, personnel shortages, and limited resources which hindered effective investigations and delayed justice. Preventive measures, such as community policing forums, public order policing initiatives, preventative operations, patrols, and community awareness campaigns, were implemented. However, these measures were not effective as the rate of murder was escalating even at the closure of this study.