Digital Tools and Detective Work: Exploring Police Use of Social Media to Combat House Robberies in Edenvale
Keith Ruthnam · James ojochenemi David ORCID ↗ · Angel Sekgololo Mabudusha
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 5 · 709-721
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Observed 21 Oct 2026, 00:14 UTC
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Abstract
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into policing, with social media particularly contributing to smart policing, understanding frontline officers’ attitudes in this regard remains pivotal towards the successful implementation of social media usage in policing in South Africa. This study explores how detectives in Edenvale perceive WhatsApp and Facebook for reducing house robberies, anchored in the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory. Employing a qualitative, exploratory design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with purposively selected detectives and were analysed thematically. The findings reveal cautious optimism among the officers as they view social media as offering a clear relative advantage in terms of speed, real-time, and enhanced community engagement. Nonetheless, concerns regarding complexity (digital literacy gaps), compatibility (fit within existing investigative protocols), and organisational readiness, including institutional support and policy clarity not only undermine optimism but also pose some challenge to full and effective adoption. Limited opportunities for trialability and the mixed observability of successful outcomes further temper enthusiasm. The study concludes that targeted digital literacy training, structured pilot projects, and clear organisational policies could enhance the diffusion and sustained use of social media for house robbery prevention. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics of innovation adoption within policing contexts in South Africa, highlighting the nuanced role of technological integration in community safety.
Keywords: {'name': 'house robbery'}, {'name': 'social media'}, {'name': 'policing'}, {'name': 'digital literacy'}, {'name': 'community safety'}, {'name': 'South Africa'}
Authors & affiliations
Keith Ruthnam
University of South Africa
James ojochenemi David
University of South Africa
Angel Sekgololo Mabudusha
University of South Africa
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