https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/30872 2026-05-05T14:12:08Z 2026-05-05T14:12:08Z Peters, Laken https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32330 2026-04-07T08:35:20Z 2026-03-09T00:00:00Z

An exploration of police perspectives on human trafficking in Durban Peters, Laken The researcher explores the perspectives of police officers on human trafficking in Durban. The study seeks to determine how first-hand experience can be used to prevent human trafficking. To achieve the research aim and objectives, the researcher applied a qualitative research approach and conducted a literature review and semi-structured interviews to collect data. Investigating officers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Durban formed the study population. They were selected for their experience in investigating human trafficking cases. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis method. The study highlights the operational realities, perceptions and challenges faced by police officers in South Africa. The findings revealed gaps in victim identification, a lack of support centres for male victims, heightened perception of corruption and language barriers. Police officers stationed at the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation are tasked to investigate human trafficking cases; therefore, their perspectives hold intrinsic value. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher recommends strengthening inter-agency collaboration, establishing male support centres and enhancing community awareness programmes.

2026-03-09T00:00:00Z Maphoto, Mpho Stella https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32300 2026-03-19T13:21:53Z 2021-02-18T00:00:00Z

Critical analysis of criminal records in a rape investigation in Johannesburg area Maphoto, Mpho Stella The purpose of this study was to determine how criminal records can be utilised in the investigation of rape cases, to check whether or not any criminal convictions have been recorded against an individual. An explorative research approach was used in this study. The study also employed a qualitative research approach. The population for this study was 64 South African Police Service members employed under Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCSU) and Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC). The technique used to select the target population was purposive sampling. The participants were selected based on their working experience related to how criminal records can be utilised in the investigation of rape cases. They were two sample consisting of Sample A were seven (7) FCSU investigators, and Sample B were five (5) Local Criminal Centre members. Data was collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews with the participants. A literature review was also used as a data collection technique, to lay the foundation of the research. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that investigators understand a criminal record and the process followed. They also understand the circumstances on completion of the criminal record. According to the findings, it was clear that investigators understand what the criminal justice process in rape cases involves. The findings also revealed that investigators understand what the concept of investigation entails. It was also established that it seems that investigators do not understand what a 'criminal check' entails. It was discovered that there was a common understanding on the role of the forensic science laboratory in rape cases. It was recommended that the investigators receive a refresher course, as well as workshops, on the criminal record and criminal justice processes, so that they are kept informed of developments in these processes.

2021-02-18T00:00:00Z Griffiths, Naomi https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32293 2026-03-19T06:34:09Z 2024-07-09T00:00:00Z

An analysis of prevalence and detection of crime scene staging in intimate partner murders in Gauteng, South Africa Griffiths, Naomi Crime scene staging is a phenomenon recognised in criminology, wherein perpetrators manipulate a crime scene to mislead investigators, diverting attention away from their actual actions and thwarting justice. While international studies have shed light on aspects of this phenomenon, this research delves into its prevalence and detection in South Africa, with a focus on the Gauteng Province, the economic hub in the country. Experienced investigating officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) served as research participants, engaging in semi-structured interviews to elucidate the variables and detection methods related to crime scene staging. Through their insights, it was revealed that staging variables in Gauteng largely align with findings from other studies, albeit with potential variations influenced by geographical and racial factors. The roles of key stakeholders in staged crime scenes were delineated, and avenues for detection were explored, factoring in existing legislation and the role of the Inquest Court. By drawing on the collective expertise of the investigating officers, a comprehensive ten-point plan was formulated to enhance the detection of crime scene staging. This strategic plan holds promise for dissemination to academic circles and law enforcement leadership for implementation and further refinement.

2024-07-09T00:00:00Z Mohlala, Mathibe Rebecca https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32286 2026-03-18T06:45:44Z 2024-12-01T00:00:00Z

Investigating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex+ community hate crime accounts and psychosocial impact on lesbians in Sekhukhune, Limpopo Province, South Africa Mohlala, Mathibe Rebecca This research investigated the accounts and psychosocial impact of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) hate crimes against specifically the lesbians in the Sekhukhune District in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study employed intersectionality theory as a guiding and conceptual framework to explore how multiple, intersecting systems of oppression shape the experiences of lesbians in particular in this rural context. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and methods to collect the data. Semi-structured interviews were held with seven research participants. Five of the participants were the lesbian individuals aged between 18-50 years old, while the other two research participants were the two professionals from the local NGO working with the LGBTQI+ community in the Sekhukhune district. Initially, the interview schedule was a piloted with two community members who are necessarily lesbians to test the efficacy of the interview schedule and to refine the research approach. The findings of the study reveal that hate crimes against lesbians are prevalent in the Sekhukhune district with deeply adverse social and psychological effects on members of the lesbian community. The effects result in or lead to severe mental health challenges for members of the lesbian community. The findings further reveal that members of the lesbians faces marginalization, discrimination and isolation from other community members and live in constant fear of attacks, exacerbated by societal rejection and discrimination. The study also finds that intersecting identities significantly influence the types and severity of hate crimes experienced by lesbians in the Sekhukhune district, with individuals facing multiple forms of marginalization and discrimination at an alarming rate. Furthermore, it has been found that members of lesbian community face obstacles in reporting hate crimes to the South African Policy Service (SAPS) due to a lack of trust in law enforcement. They are further reluctant to report hate crimes committed against themselves as lesbians due to fear of victimization by the perpetrators. The study, however, found out that members of the lesbian community do not sit on their laurels but come up with own initiatives to mitigate the risks that they are exposed to as lesbians. These initiatives, among other things, include community connectedness, mainly through local initiatives, that plays a crucial role in mitigating some negative impacts of hate crimes against lesbian community. The value-add of this research study is that it contributes to the construction of new or existing body of knowledge on the LGBTQI+ by advocating for policy changes and wider community interventions to stop hate crimes against the LGBTQI+. The study calls for targeted strategies to respond to the distinct concerns of the LGBTQI+ individuals and work towards a more welcoming and understanding society so as to lessen negative stereotypes levelled against lesbian members.

2024-12-01T00:00:00Z