The representation of different types of crimes committed by South African female offenders through News24 and YouTube online media platforms
Linda Moloko Seomane · Witness Maluleke ORCID ↗
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 2 · 282-306
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Abstract
The online media remains one of the most influential societal institutions, largely contributing to shaping public perceptions on female criminality, this is often reinforced or challenged by the existing societal norms and stereotypes. Following the non-empirical research design (systematic review), the objective of this study was to explore the representation of different types of crimes committed by South African female offenders through News24 and YouTube online media platforms, heavily relying on ‘eNews Channel Africa (eNCA), Newzroom Afrika, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News, and Crime Watch, restricted to 2018 and 2024. This study was qualitative in nature the reviewed studies were purposively selected, this data collection method was supported by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework and analysed using the inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). ). A total of 41 News24 articles and 7 YouTube videos were included. The study findings selectively indicate that five (5) crime categories were represented by News24 and YouTube online media platforms regarding the representation of different types of crimes [commonly] committed by South African female offenders, namely: 1) Murder, 2) Fraud, 3) Theft, 4) Drug trafficking, and; 5) Child abuse and neglect. It was also established that the South African online media platforms tend to sensationalise stories of female offenders often committing violent crimes and crimes against children, while representations of financial and drug-related crimes generally remain neutral in their portrayal. For recommendations the online media platforms should adopt more balanced reporting practices; while ensuring that the Journalists should adhere to the ethical editorial guidelines promoting fair and accurate portrayals of female offenders, inclusive to the male offenders.
Keywords: {'name': 'Crime and media'}, {'name': 'Female offenders'}, {'name': 'Gender representations'}, {'name': 'News24'}, {'name': 'Online media platforms'}, {'name': 'Online media portrayals'}, {'name': 'YouTube'}
Authors & affiliations
Linda Moloko Seomane
University of Limpopo
Witness Maluleke
University of Limpopo
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