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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challenges, because of the lack of the training in the use of GIS and poor GIS components such as computer and outdated GIS software’s. Further, the lack of relationship between units within the South African Police Service and external technological institutions disadvantages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.

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.