Facebook posts as crucial evidence in crime exposure and investigation in South Africa

Abstract

This scoping review examines the role of Facebook posts and social media content as crucial evidence in crime exposure and investigation within the South African context, exploring the types of crimes documented, digital forensic methodologies, legal admissibility challenges, and ethical considerations. Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) framework, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including SciSpace, Google Scholar, and PubMed, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. The review included peer-reviewed articles, case studies, legal analyses, and policy documents related to social media evidence in criminal investigations, with a specific focus on South African cases and contexts. The review identified 97 relevant sources spanning multiple crime categories where Facebook posts serve as evidence, including murder cases, sexual exploitation, fraud, harassment, and organised crime. Key findings reveal that while social media evidence is increasingly utilised by the South African Police Service (SAPS), significant challenges persist regarding authentication, chain of custody, legal admissibility, and privacy concerns. High-profile cases such as the Thabo Bester investigation and viral crime videos from platforms like Facebook demonstrate both the potential and limitations of social media as evidentiary material. Digital forensic methodologies have evolved to address platform-specific challenges, though resource constraints and training gaps affect implementation in South African law enforcement. Facebook posts have become indispensable tools for crime exposure and investigation in South Africa, serving dual functions as both primary evidence and intelligence sources. However, the evidentiary value is contingent upon proper collection, preservation, authentication, and adherence to legal standards. Recommendations include developing standardised protocols for social media evidence collection, enhancing digital forensic capacity within SAPS, clarifying legal frameworks for admissibility, and balancing investigative needs with privacy rights. Future research should examine the long-term impacts of social media surveillance on community trust and explore technological solutions for verifiable evidence preservation.

Keywords: {'name': 'Facebook, social media evidence, digital forensics, crime investigation, South Africa, SAPS, legal admissibility, cyber crime'}

Authors & affiliations

Lehlohonolo Wonderboy Mahlatsi
University of South Africa

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