Access to justice for female victims of crime: a study of girls and women with disabilities in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Shumba, Nyaradzo Dorcas
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Criminal justice, Administration of -- Zimbabwe , Women -- Crimes against , Victims of crimes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22176 , vital:51994
- Description: This thesis utilized a thematic content analysis, looked at how significant barriers affect Mashonaland Central girls and women living with disabilities as victims of crime from accessing justice. Zimbabwe is an optimal case to apply this study, due to its contradictory legislation and evidence of high rate of human rights violations. Mashonaland Central Province is an ideal case study due to the extant records that indicate that it has the highest incidences of violence against women. This study is therefore based in a Victimological epoch with the aim to fill the research gap in acknowledging the process of accessing justice as an important step for protecting and promoting human right. By analyzing interviews conducted with 3 different women aged 18-65 and 3 girls living with disability who were under the age of 18, through the theoretical framework of basic human rights theory and victim dynamics, this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge, with suggestions of how these barriers which are inclusive of societal and cultural structures tend to affect the respondents’ everyday lives and in a most pertinent manner towards their right to access justice. This thesis is also governed by the perspectives of key actors in the judicial process including but not limited to the Victim Friendly Unit. The theoretical framework is also operationalized into themes and criteria, which are then applied to analyze the conducted interviews. The emerging findings illuminate that there is a discrepancy between government policy surrounding girls and women living with disabilities and the practical experiences of the respondents. The respondents experienced a lack of accessibility to basic rights such as health care, the law, and to sex education – which are all rights ensured by government policy. Identified consequences included: discouragement in seeking justice due to fears of cultural and social stigma, discouragement in reporting crimes, and receiving adequate support, as well as information from secondhand sources. This study therefore concludes lack of access to justice is a violation of security of person, human dignity and rights to health and life to women and girls living with disability. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Shumba, Nyaradzo Dorcas
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Criminal justice, Administration of -- Zimbabwe , Women -- Crimes against , Victims of crimes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22176 , vital:51994
- Description: This thesis utilized a thematic content analysis, looked at how significant barriers affect Mashonaland Central girls and women living with disabilities as victims of crime from accessing justice. Zimbabwe is an optimal case to apply this study, due to its contradictory legislation and evidence of high rate of human rights violations. Mashonaland Central Province is an ideal case study due to the extant records that indicate that it has the highest incidences of violence against women. This study is therefore based in a Victimological epoch with the aim to fill the research gap in acknowledging the process of accessing justice as an important step for protecting and promoting human right. By analyzing interviews conducted with 3 different women aged 18-65 and 3 girls living with disability who were under the age of 18, through the theoretical framework of basic human rights theory and victim dynamics, this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge, with suggestions of how these barriers which are inclusive of societal and cultural structures tend to affect the respondents’ everyday lives and in a most pertinent manner towards their right to access justice. This thesis is also governed by the perspectives of key actors in the judicial process including but not limited to the Victim Friendly Unit. The theoretical framework is also operationalized into themes and criteria, which are then applied to analyze the conducted interviews. The emerging findings illuminate that there is a discrepancy between government policy surrounding girls and women living with disabilities and the practical experiences of the respondents. The respondents experienced a lack of accessibility to basic rights such as health care, the law, and to sex education – which are all rights ensured by government policy. Identified consequences included: discouragement in seeking justice due to fears of cultural and social stigma, discouragement in reporting crimes, and receiving adequate support, as well as information from secondhand sources. This study therefore concludes lack of access to justice is a violation of security of person, human dignity and rights to health and life to women and girls living with disability. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Dynamics of deviant behaviour among school learners: A case of selected boy’s high school in the Eastern Cape Province
- Ngwane, Lwando https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-6404-899X
- Authors: Ngwane, Lwando https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-6404-899X
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Deviant behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21015 , vital:46894
- Description: Deviant behaviour within the school setting poses a threat to the physical and social survival of individuals. Therefore, this study explored the dynamics of deviant behaviour among school learners in a selected boy’s high school in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The study had the central aim of achieving the following specific objectives: (i) identify factors contributing to deviant behaviour among school learners, (ii) ascertain consequences of deviant behaviour among school learners, and (iii) establish preventative measures that should be employed to address deviant behaviour among school learners in a selected boy’s high school in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The study utilised a qualitative research approach and a qualitative research paradigm in the form of case study research design. In terms of data collection, the study applied an in-depth one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. Furthermore, the study employed non-probability sampling, specifically snowball sampling, and sampled twenty (20) participants. These comprised ten (10) learners, three (3) Life Orientation (LO) teachers and seven (7) key informants (School Governing Body (SGB) members and the school principal). In addition, the study employed a qualitative data analysis approach, with data being analysed thematically. The study established that there is no single cause of deviant behaviour among school learners but a series of distinct factors contributing towards deviant behaviour in various ways, such as use of drugs, low self-esteem, poor upbringing, and poor academic performance. Other factors included negative peer group influence, social media, and lack of self-discipline as well as lack of moral values and negative self-concept. The study concludes that through implementation of awareness campaigns, deviance policy, educational programmes, sport and recreational activities, safety and security, and social and behavioural change programmes, deviant behaviour can be addressed at school. Furthermore, it can be concluded that good behaviour among learners are central to effective teaching and learning at school; therefore, this should be inculcated in the learners. In light of the above findings, the Department of Education (DoE), policy makers, and school administrators should ensure that schools are provided with adequate facilities for teaching and learning, sports and recreational activities as well as information communication technologies and internet connectivity. School principals, members of School Governing Bodies (SGBs), teachers and parents should reduce deviant behaviour though increased supervision. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
- Authors: Ngwane, Lwando https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-6404-899X
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Deviant behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21015 , vital:46894
- Description: Deviant behaviour within the school setting poses a threat to the physical and social survival of individuals. Therefore, this study explored the dynamics of deviant behaviour among school learners in a selected boy’s high school in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The study had the central aim of achieving the following specific objectives: (i) identify factors contributing to deviant behaviour among school learners, (ii) ascertain consequences of deviant behaviour among school learners, and (iii) establish preventative measures that should be employed to address deviant behaviour among school learners in a selected boy’s high school in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The study utilised a qualitative research approach and a qualitative research paradigm in the form of case study research design. In terms of data collection, the study applied an in-depth one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. Furthermore, the study employed non-probability sampling, specifically snowball sampling, and sampled twenty (20) participants. These comprised ten (10) learners, three (3) Life Orientation (LO) teachers and seven (7) key informants (School Governing Body (SGB) members and the school principal). In addition, the study employed a qualitative data analysis approach, with data being analysed thematically. The study established that there is no single cause of deviant behaviour among school learners but a series of distinct factors contributing towards deviant behaviour in various ways, such as use of drugs, low self-esteem, poor upbringing, and poor academic performance. Other factors included negative peer group influence, social media, and lack of self-discipline as well as lack of moral values and negative self-concept. The study concludes that through implementation of awareness campaigns, deviance policy, educational programmes, sport and recreational activities, safety and security, and social and behavioural change programmes, deviant behaviour can be addressed at school. Furthermore, it can be concluded that good behaviour among learners are central to effective teaching and learning at school; therefore, this should be inculcated in the learners. In light of the above findings, the Department of Education (DoE), policy makers, and school administrators should ensure that schools are provided with adequate facilities for teaching and learning, sports and recreational activities as well as information communication technologies and internet connectivity. School principals, members of School Governing Bodies (SGBs), teachers and parents should reduce deviant behaviour though increased supervision. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
An exploratory analysis of the challenges faced by police in combating mob justice: a case study of Gqeberha
- Loqani Anelisa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9944-5947
- Authors: Loqani Anelisa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9944-5947
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Vigilance committees , Criminal justice, Administration of
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22000 , vital:51928
- Description: Mob justice is a major issue that will continue to occur as long as criminal activities exist. In South Africa, mob justice has become a major challenge for the government, particularly the South African Police Service as well as the society at large. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has partnered with all relevant role-players in the fight against mob justice and other community problems which threaten the safety of inhabitants. However, concerted efforts have also been made by the government to assist the SAPS to address the occurrence and re-occurrence of mob justice by introducing strategies such as visible policing but the problem seems to persist. The study, thus, analyzed the challenges faced by the police that lead to their ineffectiveness in eliminating mob justice. This thesis draws from two theories, namely Structural Violence theory pioneered by Galtung (1969) and Just World Theory (JWT) by Adelstein (1999) to explore the challenges faced by the police in Gqeberha. This study was conducted in the Eastern Cape Province, in Gqeberha within four townships, namely Kwadwesi, Kwazakhele, Motherwell, and New Brighton. The findings gathered by utilizing Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) and semi-structured interviews with a total number of forty-eight (48) respondents comprising of sixteen (16) SAPS members, eight (08) Community Policing Forum (CPF) representatives, four (04) community leaders and twenty (20) community members. This is a qualitative research project in which participants were chosen using purposive sampling. Participants were chosen based on their knowledge and experiences relating to the phenomena being explored. The aim was to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges encountered by the police in combating mob justice to discover some techniques to improve and strengthen the police service to make communities safer. To analyse the data thematic analysis was utilized. The results of the study indicate that an increase in mob justice in Gqeberha has been reported to be a result of the high rate of crime. However, the fact that people know they will not get arrested for participating in mob justice is one of the concerns that have led to an escalation in mob justice. The study demonstrates that in most incidents the community members have once witnessed in their respective areas, the victims were killed while few survived and in all those incidents only a few arrests were made and in those few arrests, no convictions were made. Based on this issue of arrests, results indicate that the SAPS members are confronting some difficulties in identifying and arresting the perpetrators of mob justice. The reluctance of community members to report mob justice cases and to provide information was found to be the main challenge faced by the police in combating mob justice in Motherwell Cluster precincts. These challenges have been reported to negatively affect police work performance. Further analysis revealed that CPF, community members and community leaders as part of stakeholders who are working together with SAPS are also facing some challenges in addressing this issue of mob justice. The results also indicate that mob justice does not only harm members of the community who are subjected to these occurrences, but also the police, the victims and the perpetrators themselves. Evidence-based techniques to help eradicate mob justice incidents were developed in response to this problem of mob justice. The participants suggested that the police must be provided with adequate manpower, more community patrols and vehicles. It is believed that if the police could act in time and arrest the suspected criminals, a large number of people would be rescued from being killed in mob justice. The respondents also indicated that the police must build good relations with the communities by being visible and transparent in communities. Furthermore, the SAPS participants alluded that when people are sentenced, a community engagement needs to be conducted before those people are released outside as parolees. Other respondents mentioned the issue of education, proposing that the Criminal Justice System (CJS) should frequently conduct awareness campaigns, imbizos and public meetings to teach and inform people about its operations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Loqani Anelisa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9944-5947
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Vigilance committees , Criminal justice, Administration of
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22000 , vital:51928
- Description: Mob justice is a major issue that will continue to occur as long as criminal activities exist. In South Africa, mob justice has become a major challenge for the government, particularly the South African Police Service as well as the society at large. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has partnered with all relevant role-players in the fight against mob justice and other community problems which threaten the safety of inhabitants. However, concerted efforts have also been made by the government to assist the SAPS to address the occurrence and re-occurrence of mob justice by introducing strategies such as visible policing but the problem seems to persist. The study, thus, analyzed the challenges faced by the police that lead to their ineffectiveness in eliminating mob justice. This thesis draws from two theories, namely Structural Violence theory pioneered by Galtung (1969) and Just World Theory (JWT) by Adelstein (1999) to explore the challenges faced by the police in Gqeberha. This study was conducted in the Eastern Cape Province, in Gqeberha within four townships, namely Kwadwesi, Kwazakhele, Motherwell, and New Brighton. The findings gathered by utilizing Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) and semi-structured interviews with a total number of forty-eight (48) respondents comprising of sixteen (16) SAPS members, eight (08) Community Policing Forum (CPF) representatives, four (04) community leaders and twenty (20) community members. This is a qualitative research project in which participants were chosen using purposive sampling. Participants were chosen based on their knowledge and experiences relating to the phenomena being explored. The aim was to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges encountered by the police in combating mob justice to discover some techniques to improve and strengthen the police service to make communities safer. To analyse the data thematic analysis was utilized. The results of the study indicate that an increase in mob justice in Gqeberha has been reported to be a result of the high rate of crime. However, the fact that people know they will not get arrested for participating in mob justice is one of the concerns that have led to an escalation in mob justice. The study demonstrates that in most incidents the community members have once witnessed in their respective areas, the victims were killed while few survived and in all those incidents only a few arrests were made and in those few arrests, no convictions were made. Based on this issue of arrests, results indicate that the SAPS members are confronting some difficulties in identifying and arresting the perpetrators of mob justice. The reluctance of community members to report mob justice cases and to provide information was found to be the main challenge faced by the police in combating mob justice in Motherwell Cluster precincts. These challenges have been reported to negatively affect police work performance. Further analysis revealed that CPF, community members and community leaders as part of stakeholders who are working together with SAPS are also facing some challenges in addressing this issue of mob justice. The results also indicate that mob justice does not only harm members of the community who are subjected to these occurrences, but also the police, the victims and the perpetrators themselves. Evidence-based techniques to help eradicate mob justice incidents were developed in response to this problem of mob justice. The participants suggested that the police must be provided with adequate manpower, more community patrols and vehicles. It is believed that if the police could act in time and arrest the suspected criminals, a large number of people would be rescued from being killed in mob justice. The respondents also indicated that the police must build good relations with the communities by being visible and transparent in communities. Furthermore, the SAPS participants alluded that when people are sentenced, a community engagement needs to be conducted before those people are released outside as parolees. Other respondents mentioned the issue of education, proposing that the Criminal Justice System (CJS) should frequently conduct awareness campaigns, imbizos and public meetings to teach and inform people about its operations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
The perception of police officers towards corruption in South African police services: a case study of Polokwane cluster policing area in Limpopo Province
- Authors: Rathogwa, Emmah Mufanadzo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Corruption , Police corruption , Police misconduct
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27314 , vital:66935
- Description: The 1996 National Crime Prevention Strategy identified corruption within the criminal justice sector as the greatest threat to the governance of security. Police corruption has been a huge obstacle within the South African Police Service’s endeavours to tackle improper activities of police officers. A general definition of corruption is “use of public office for private gain”; this includes bribery and extortion, which involves at least two parties, and other types of malfeasance that a public official can carry out alone, including fraud and embezzlement. The corruption of police officers impinges on the capacity and ability of the entire force in ensuring that all citizens abide by the law. This study explored the perceptions of police officers towards corruption activities in South African Police Services (SAPS) within the Polokwane Cluster (Capricorn District) Policing Area in Limpopo province. In this study, a qualitative research design was used. The researcher used purposive sampling to select participants. For collection of data, semi-structured interviews were used where the researcher interviewed police officers within the Polokwane Cluster Capricorn District Policing Area. The researcher conducted fifty 50 interviews with five police officers from 10 police stations within the Polokwane Cluster Capricorn District Policing Area, namely: Botlokwa, Lebowakgomo, Polokwane,Westernburg, Seshego, Mankweng, Mashashane, Matlala, Mogwadi and Zebediela police stations. In addition, secondary sources were used where the researcher relied on documents from the Independent Police Investigations IPID on statistics on police corruption, among other scales of measurements. For the analysis of data, thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data collected through interviews whilst document analysis was used for analysing data collected from secondary sources. The findings gathered in this study revealed that police corruption is widespread within the Polokwane Cluster Capricorn District Policing Area in Limpopo province due some police officers’ fear of victimisation of their families or loved ones if they expose corrupt acts by other police officers. Furthermore, corruption of the South African Police Services personnel has been reported where potential police recruits are required to pay bribes for them to be placed for the job. Weak leadership within the South African police service and poor policy formulation and implementation have been identified by participants to be some of the main determinants of corruption within the South African Police Services. As a recommendation to counter the adverse effects of police corruption, a number of strategies have been formulated in this study such as the establishment of vibrant anticorruption mechanisms. It is essential for the government to recall passionate former police officials to investigate all the corrupt officials. The South African government should establish a very sophisticated anti-corruption body independent from the SAPS to spearhead the strategy to combat corruption. The recruitment of police personnel should culminate into hiring individuals who would see the police job as a calling and do it passionately. They should firstly target people who choose police related courses are already studying courses in crime investigation from grassroots level. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Rathogwa, Emmah Mufanadzo
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Corruption , Police corruption , Police misconduct
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27314 , vital:66935
- Description: The 1996 National Crime Prevention Strategy identified corruption within the criminal justice sector as the greatest threat to the governance of security. Police corruption has been a huge obstacle within the South African Police Service’s endeavours to tackle improper activities of police officers. A general definition of corruption is “use of public office for private gain”; this includes bribery and extortion, which involves at least two parties, and other types of malfeasance that a public official can carry out alone, including fraud and embezzlement. The corruption of police officers impinges on the capacity and ability of the entire force in ensuring that all citizens abide by the law. This study explored the perceptions of police officers towards corruption activities in South African Police Services (SAPS) within the Polokwane Cluster (Capricorn District) Policing Area in Limpopo province. In this study, a qualitative research design was used. The researcher used purposive sampling to select participants. For collection of data, semi-structured interviews were used where the researcher interviewed police officers within the Polokwane Cluster Capricorn District Policing Area. The researcher conducted fifty 50 interviews with five police officers from 10 police stations within the Polokwane Cluster Capricorn District Policing Area, namely: Botlokwa, Lebowakgomo, Polokwane,Westernburg, Seshego, Mankweng, Mashashane, Matlala, Mogwadi and Zebediela police stations. In addition, secondary sources were used where the researcher relied on documents from the Independent Police Investigations IPID on statistics on police corruption, among other scales of measurements. For the analysis of data, thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data collected through interviews whilst document analysis was used for analysing data collected from secondary sources. The findings gathered in this study revealed that police corruption is widespread within the Polokwane Cluster Capricorn District Policing Area in Limpopo province due some police officers’ fear of victimisation of their families or loved ones if they expose corrupt acts by other police officers. Furthermore, corruption of the South African Police Services personnel has been reported where potential police recruits are required to pay bribes for them to be placed for the job. Weak leadership within the South African police service and poor policy formulation and implementation have been identified by participants to be some of the main determinants of corruption within the South African Police Services. As a recommendation to counter the adverse effects of police corruption, a number of strategies have been formulated in this study such as the establishment of vibrant anticorruption mechanisms. It is essential for the government to recall passionate former police officials to investigate all the corrupt officials. The South African government should establish a very sophisticated anti-corruption body independent from the SAPS to spearhead the strategy to combat corruption. The recruitment of police personnel should culminate into hiring individuals who would see the police job as a calling and do it passionately. They should firstly target people who choose police related courses are already studying courses in crime investigation from grassroots level. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Abandoned buildings as breeding ground for criminal activities: a case study of Libode Town under Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Baliwe, Mthuthuzeli Christopher
- Authors: Baliwe, Mthuthuzeli Christopher
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Abandoned buildings , Crime -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19215 , vital:43032
- Description: Buildings and houses are neglected by their owners/ government for different reasons, but money tends to be the leading reason in most instances. That then needs minds to work hand in hand; owners of the buildings must co-partner with the government to reduce the crisis by ensuring that there are no abandoned buildings in the community as these have proved to be breeding ground for criminal activities. The study was conducted in Libode town, which is under Nyandeni Local municipality in the Eastern Cape. Around Libode town there are abandoned buildings that have not been used for years. In most cases criminals use these for their criminal activities and hide outs from the law. There have been multiple cases reported about crimes committed inside and around these buildings, and still no intervention from the local government has been instituted. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of abandoned buildings on criminal activities in Libode Town. The study used a qualitative design in data collection and in describing the results. A sample of 8 key informants, 10 members from Qhankqu and 10 members from Belmond Township formed participants of the study. These were selected using the Snowball sampling method. In-depth / one on one interviews were used to collect data from key informants and focus group interviews were used to interview two groups, one from Belmond and the other from Qhankqu. Data were analysed and drafted using thematic analysis and transcription. Interviews were recorded and notes were taken to collect data. Findings indicate that indeed abandoned buildings are the source of so many criminal activities as it was explained by the researcher that youth hangs on these buildings and formulate gangs. These gangs are utilised by drug dealers to distribute their merchandise. Findings also explained that these buildings are located on places which are dangerous and it motivates wrongdoers to even carry on their doings. Findings indicated that lack of attention to these buildings by the government and the relevant owners was the main factor that led criminals to utilise abandoned buildings for their wrongdoings. Findings further showed that the government failed to ensure that these buildings are checked at least twice a month in order to keep control on these buildings, causing criminals to target the abandoned buildings. The study recommends that SAPS and Nyandeni local municipality draft Laws/ restrictions for the use of these buildings so that if anyone wants to use these buildings they must follow these laws and restrictions, which will help to restrict criminal elements from using these buildings without permission. To solve the problem of criminals taking advantage of abandoned buildings, the study recommends, the buildings should be either destroyed or fixed. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
- Authors: Baliwe, Mthuthuzeli Christopher
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Abandoned buildings , Crime -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19215 , vital:43032
- Description: Buildings and houses are neglected by their owners/ government for different reasons, but money tends to be the leading reason in most instances. That then needs minds to work hand in hand; owners of the buildings must co-partner with the government to reduce the crisis by ensuring that there are no abandoned buildings in the community as these have proved to be breeding ground for criminal activities. The study was conducted in Libode town, which is under Nyandeni Local municipality in the Eastern Cape. Around Libode town there are abandoned buildings that have not been used for years. In most cases criminals use these for their criminal activities and hide outs from the law. There have been multiple cases reported about crimes committed inside and around these buildings, and still no intervention from the local government has been instituted. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of abandoned buildings on criminal activities in Libode Town. The study used a qualitative design in data collection and in describing the results. A sample of 8 key informants, 10 members from Qhankqu and 10 members from Belmond Township formed participants of the study. These were selected using the Snowball sampling method. In-depth / one on one interviews were used to collect data from key informants and focus group interviews were used to interview two groups, one from Belmond and the other from Qhankqu. Data were analysed and drafted using thematic analysis and transcription. Interviews were recorded and notes were taken to collect data. Findings indicate that indeed abandoned buildings are the source of so many criminal activities as it was explained by the researcher that youth hangs on these buildings and formulate gangs. These gangs are utilised by drug dealers to distribute their merchandise. Findings also explained that these buildings are located on places which are dangerous and it motivates wrongdoers to even carry on their doings. Findings indicated that lack of attention to these buildings by the government and the relevant owners was the main factor that led criminals to utilise abandoned buildings for their wrongdoings. Findings further showed that the government failed to ensure that these buildings are checked at least twice a month in order to keep control on these buildings, causing criminals to target the abandoned buildings. The study recommends that SAPS and Nyandeni local municipality draft Laws/ restrictions for the use of these buildings so that if anyone wants to use these buildings they must follow these laws and restrictions, which will help to restrict criminal elements from using these buildings without permission. To solve the problem of criminals taking advantage of abandoned buildings, the study recommends, the buildings should be either destroyed or fixed. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
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