Perceptions of community members on restorative justice programmes on offenders and victims of crime: a case study of Cato Manor in Durban KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

Restorative justice programmes in South Africa have gained prominence as alternative approaches to traditional criminal justice systems, as they aim to address the needs of both the offenders and victims, while fostering community healing and reconciliation. This study explores the perceptions of community members regarding the impact and effectiveness of restorative justice programmes in the context of the Cato Manor located in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The study adopted a qualitative approach located within the interpretivist paradigm. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with a sample of 16 participants consisting of 12 community members residing in the Cato Manor community and four (n=4) community leaders who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis model. Data were collected to develop insights into community members' views, experiences, and attitudes regarding the impact and effectiveness of restorative justice programmes. Precisely, the study examined the community members’ perceptions of the benefits, challenges, and outcomes of these programmes for both the offenders and the victims of the crimes. The findings suggest that community members generally view restorative justice programmes positively, emphasising their potential in terms of promoting accountability, rehabilitation, and the reintegration of ex-offenders into the community. The participants highlighted the importance of involving the victims of crimes in the restorative process, providing opportunities for dialogue, restitution, and healing. However, limited access to resources, lack of awareness, and cultural barriers were identified as the barriers to the effectiveness of restorative justice programmes in the Cato Manor Informal Settlement. Additionally, the participants raised concerns about the need for greater community involvement, support, and capacity-building in these programmes to ensure the sustainability and success thereof. The study recommends that there is a need to increase community awareness and education on the benefits of restorative justice, improve resource allocation to support these initiatives, and foster stronger community involvement and capacity-building efforts to ensure the programmes' sustainability and success.