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The article describes the use of the Geographical information system as a technique in the processing of crime data to combat crime. In this process the crime data must be valid to ensure the smoother crime mapping. Crime data such as place where crime committed, modus operandi, crime spree and crime pattern would be inserted and analysed in the usage of the GIS technology by the police at the station level. The study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate the trend.  The research deployed non empirical study where literature was used to answer the research question. The purpose of the article is to interrogate the challenges in the use of GIS as a technique to combat crime. This article finds that GIS operators experience significant operational challenges, because of the lack of the training in the use of GIS and poor GIS components such as computer and outdated GIS software’s. Further, the lack of relationship between units within the South African Police Service and external technological institutions disadvantages GIS operators to be successful in the use of GIS to process and map crime data. The study recommended that police management need to support police with the training and proper resources to successfully operate GIS to combat crime.

Violent crime remains one of South Africa’s most persistent developmental and security challenges, undermining social cohesion, economic investment, and human well-being. This study examines the structural, institutional, and community-level determinants of violent crime in the Ekurhuleni District and proposes a context-specific Integrated Framework for Violent Crime Mitigation (IFVCM). Using a qualitative case-study design within an interpretivist paradigm, the research draws on semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis involving thirty participants (twenty SAPS officials and ten community stakeholders). Thematic analysis revealed three overarching determinants of violence: (1) socio-economic deprivation and youth marginalisation, (2) institutional fragmentation and resource constraints within policing, and (3) weakened community cohesion and declining public trust. These determinants interact to create a self-reinforcing cycle of exclusion, mistrust, and vulnerability to criminality. The proposed IFVCM integrates socio-economic interventions, community engagement, intelligence-led and technology-enabled policing, and strengthened inter-agency governance. The framework aligns with national priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, the White Paper on Safety and Security (2016), and emerging post-COVID violence trends in Gauteng. The study contributes theoretically by integrating multiple criminological perspectives and practically by offering a scalable, evidence-based approach for strengthening safety in urban environments.

South Africa continues to experience high levels of violent crime, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) recording over 22,000 murders in 2023/2024, alongside increasing incidents of robbery and assault. While these statistics are alarming, little is known about the hidden forms of violence that occur within cultural settings, particularly during traditional ceremonies such as Umguyo, a Xhosa ritual that precedes Ulwaluko (Traditional Male Circumcision). This paper aims to evaluate the social, economic, and psychological effects of violence during the Umguyo practice on families and the broader rural community. It is also aimed at examining how such violence disrupts cultural harmony, education, and community cohesion. The study employed a qualitative approach, drawing on interviews and focus group discussions with custodians of culture and community members in the Amathole District Municipality of South Africa. Findings of the study demonstrate that (i) violent incidents during Umguyo transform the ceremony from a joyous cultural event into one of grief, creating deep emotional trauma and financial strain for affected families; (ii) traditional obligations such as funerals and cancelled rituals further burden families economically and socially; and (iii) rumours and disputes following violent incidents contribute to long-term community fragmentation and hinder educational progress during the initiation season. Overall, the study highlights how violence linked to cultural practices undermines social cohesion, mental well-being, and economic stability in rural South Africa. Addressing this requires culturally sensitive legal reforms and strengthened community engagement.

This study investigates the extent of local government involvement in crime prevention within the MDM district. A total of 338 questionnaires were distributed to community members, and 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with municipal officials, SAPS social crime prevention personnel, and the District Coordinator from the Department of Transport and Community Safety. A mixed-method research design was adopted to integrate both qualitative and quantitative approaches, thereby addressing the limitations of each and enhancing the overall depth and reliability of the findings. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to ensure a representative and targeted participant selection. The research explores existing crime prevention strategies, the challenges faced, and the nature of collaboration between the SAPS and local government. Ethical principles, including informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity, were strictly observed. In addition to its empirical contributions, this study serves as a practical reference for students seeking to understand the application of mixed-method research in local government and crime prevention.

This article explores the nature and extent of crime in the railway environment in South Africa. Crimes against Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, Transnet Freight Rail, Gautrain, and commuters are prevalent and the victims are being exposed to serious damage emanating from criminal activities. The challenges and implications for individuals and businesses, rich or poor consumers are recurrent themes in this study. A qualitative research approach was adopted to follow a non-probability purposive sample comprising 25 participants from the South African Police Service Rapid Rail Police Units. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews from research participants deployed in the Division: Visible Policing. The findings highlighted that the most prevalent crimes are cable theft, robberies and malicious property damage. The targeted trains are the Metro trains that operate locally, as they transport many commuters because it is the affordable mode of public transport in South Africa. The perpetrators also target this mode of transport because the train stations have an open system where perpetrators can easily access the entrance, therefore some do not even buy tickets and board the trains illegally. It is understood that Gautrain has a closed system and the security is advanced and watertight because of extra security measures such as the closed-circuit television cameras. Based on the findings, effective implementation of policies to improve safety is essential. Critical dialogues between all relevant.

The article describes the use of the Geographical information system as a technique in the processing of crime data to combat crime. In this process the crime data must be valid to ensure the smoother crime mapping. Crime data such as place where crime committed, modus operandi, crime spree and crime pattern would be inserted and analysed in the usage of the GIS technology by the police at the station level. The study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate the trend.  The research deployed non empirical study where literature was used to answer the research question. The purpose of the article is to interrogate the challenges in the use of GIS as a technique to combat crime. This article finds that GIS operators experience significant operational challenges, because of the lack of the training in the use of GIS and poor GIS components such as computer and outdated GIS software’s. Further, the lack of relationship between units within the South African Police Service and external technological institutions disadvantages GIS operators to be successful in the use of GIS to process and map crime data. The study recommended that police management need to support police with the training and proper resources to successfully operate GIS to combat crime.

Violent crime remains one of South Africa’s most persistent developmental and security challenges, undermining social cohesion, economic investment, and human well-being. This study examines the structural, institutional, and community-level determinants of violent crime in the Ekurhuleni District and proposes a context-specific Integrated Framework for Violent Crime Mitigation (IFVCM). Using a qualitative case-study design within an interpretivist paradigm, the research draws on semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis involving thirty participants (twenty SAPS officials and ten community stakeholders). Thematic analysis revealed three overarching determinants of violence: (1) socio-economic deprivation and youth marginalisation, (2) institutional fragmentation and resource constraints within policing, and (3) weakened community cohesion and declining public trust. These determinants interact to create a self-reinforcing cycle of exclusion, mistrust, and vulnerability to criminality. The proposed IFVCM integrates socio-economic interventions, community engagement, intelligence-led and technology-enabled policing, and strengthened inter-agency governance. The framework aligns with national priorities outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, the White Paper on Safety and Security (2016), and emerging post-COVID violence trends in Gauteng. The study contributes theoretically by integrating multiple criminological perspectives and practically by offering a scalable, evidence-based approach for strengthening safety in urban environments.

Assessing risk factors for juvenile delinquency necessitates a holistic approach, taking into account individual, familial, societal, and communal influences. Risk factors are conditions or attributes that may elevate the probability of adverse outcomes or behaviours in adolescents. These elements may include multiple dimensions of a young individual's life, such as personal, familial, peer, educational, and communal influences. Globally, crime persists as a pressing issue, predominantly involving youngsters in offences such as cybercrime, robbery, theft, shoplifting, substance misuse, cash-in-transit heists, violent crimes, abduction, kidnapping, gang-related activities, cultism, and ritual killings. It is imperative to confront the prevailing trend of juvenile criminal actions inside society. This article analyses risk variables associated with juvenile criminal behaviour and the responses of the criminal justice system and its stakeholders. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating in-person interviews and surveys for data acquisition.  Research identifies determinants of criminal behaviour, including low self-control, impulsivity, and substance abuse. Family-related factors encompass parental neglect, maltreatment, and inadequate support. Social factors involve associations with delinquent peers, poverty, and discrimination. A correlation exists between drug, alcohol, and substance abuse and criminal behaviour among youth. Parental indifference may impact youth decision-making. Some young offenders are incarcerated in correctional facilities, while others participate in rehabilitation through diversion programs. The findings highlight the necessity for cohesive treatments involving family, community, and institutions, prioritising mental health support and restorative justice to diminish youth recidivism. The study advocates for the active involvement of stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and rehabilitation centres. It emphasises the necessity for vigilant supervision and monitoring of youth by parents, guardians, family members, communities, institutions, and the criminal justice system to proactively prevent access to drugs and substances that incite violence and criminal behaviour. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of integrating family, community, and institutional interventions, mental health support, and restorative justice to mitigate youth recidivism. Additionally, it calls for the regular monitoring of youth mental health and the provision of effective interventions such as rehabilitation, youth crime prevention, treatment, and morality regeneration programs.

South Africa continues to experience high levels of violent crime, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) recording over 22,000 murders in 2023/2024, alongside increasing incidents of robbery and assault. While these statistics are alarming, little is known about the hidden forms of violence that occur within cultural settings, particularly during traditional ceremonies such as Umguyo, a Xhosa ritual that precedes Ulwaluko (Traditional Male Circumcision). This paper aims to evaluate the social, economic, and psychological effects of violence during the Umguyo practice on families and the broader rural community. It is also aimed at examining how such violence disrupts cultural harmony, education, and community cohesion. The study employed a qualitative approach, drawing on interviews and focus group discussions with custodians of culture and community members in the Amathole District Municipality of South Africa. Findings of the study demonstrate that (i) violent incidents during Umguyo transform the ceremony from a joyous cultural event into one of grief, creating deep emotional trauma and financial strain for affected families; (ii) traditional obligations such as funerals and cancelled rituals further burden families economically and socially; and (iii) rumours and disputes following violent incidents contribute to long-term community fragmentation and hinder educational progress during the initiation season. Overall, the study highlights how violence linked to cultural practices undermines social cohesion, mental well-being, and economic stability in rural South Africa. Addressing this requires culturally sensitive legal reforms and strengthened community engagement.

This study investigates the extent of local government involvement in crime prevention within the MDM district. A total of 338 questionnaires were distributed to community members, and 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with municipal officials, SAPS social crime prevention personnel, and the District Coordinator from the Department of Transport and Community Safety. A mixed-method research design was adopted to integrate both qualitative and quantitative approaches, thereby addressing the limitations of each and enhancing the overall depth and reliability of the findings. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to ensure a representative and targeted participant selection. The research explores existing crime prevention strategies, the challenges faced, and the nature of collaboration between the SAPS and local government. Ethical principles, including informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity, were strictly observed. In addition to its empirical contributions, this study serves as a practical reference for students seeking to understand the application of mixed-method research in local government and crime prevention.