https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/2982 2026-07-12T00:21:08Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32720 An evaluation of the implementation of the Safer Cities Project in South Africa Pillay, Jenny Safety is a major concern in all cities around the world, and a lack of safety has an adverse impact on everyone’s quality of life. Criminality in cities has become a geographical footprint affecting communities and even tourists who visit the country. Despite efforts undertaken by the police to combat crime, violent crime persists, which has resulted in negative public perceptions of safety and security and poor investor confidence, ultimately threatening the sustainability of cities. The South African Police Service, municipalities and other strategic stakeholders have collaborated to combat crime and other safety issues by initiating the Safer Cities Project in 10 identified cities in South Africa. If the police cannot fight crime alone, surely collaborating with stakeholders could contribute to joint interventions to deal with safety and security issues in cities. The Safer Cities Project uses technology as an enabler among other interventions to tackle crime in the cities through a multidisciplinary approach. The study evaluated the implementation of the Safer Cities Project from the perspective of the South African Police Service, the local municipalities and other key stakeholders in identified pilot cities to explore its ability to reduce crime levels. Using a qualitative approach to explore the challenges faced in the implementation of the Safer Cities Project. Thirty-two participants representing the South African Police Service, local municipalities, the Traffic Police Department, the Community Police Forum and Business Against Crime South Africa in each city were interviewed. The analysis of the implementation of this programme identified project gaps and effective methods for addressing safety and security issues were recommended, thus contributing valuable insights to the existing body of knowledge on this topic in cities. This indicates the value of data-driven policing strategies that include leveraging advanced analytics, real-time crime data, and predictive technologies to optimise police responses and resource allocation. These strategies enhance operational efficiency and provide a deeper understanding of how data integration can improve decision making in urban policing. 2025-04-09T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32583 An exploration of the impact of corruption on traffic policing in KwaZulu-Natal Sangweni, Njabulo Ignatius Corruption is a persistent issue and has far-reaching effects that affect not only South Africans' quality of life but also the country's social cohesion and economic growth. Its presence in the traffic police departments serves as evidence of this reality. This study assumed the possibility that road carnage, rampant lawlessness, and a high level of impunity may stem from corruption. In light of this context, the study sought to show the impact of corruption on traffic policing in KwaZulu-Natal. The objectives of the study were to explore the impact of KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Traffic Police corruption on service delivery, to gain an in-depth understanding of contextual causes of corruption, to explore individual experiences of the efficiency of corruption combating strategies within the selected Traffic Police departments, and to formulate recommendations for further research on corruption-combatting strategies within Traffic Police departments. . A qualitative research approach was adopted to examine the perceptions and experiences of members of the public who have had past interaction with traffic police officers. Using purposive sampling, 14 participants were selected from a target population of 25 individuals. The study’s participants included one unemployed individual, two students, six traffic officers, and five individuals from various sectors of formal employment. Semi-structured interviews and a comprehensive literature review facilitated data collection. Findings revealed an existing culture of corruption within traffic policing, underscored by a shared understanding among community members and traffic officials that such practices are detrimental. Further analysis indicates that several socio-economic conditions contribute to the perpetuation of corruption within traffic police departments. Key factors identified include low economic development, low pay, urgent need for money, peer pressure, and financial distress. This study exposes the intricate relationship between socioeconomic challenges and corrupt practices in traffic policing, providing insights and recommendations that may inform policy interventions intended to mitigate corruption and enhance the integrity of general traffic law enforcement. Abstract and text in English 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32461 An exploration of the use of modus operandi to investigate illegal occupation of properties within the Johannesburg’s inner-city area Ngobele, Rudzani This dissertation explores the phenomenon of illegal building occupation, commonly referred to as "building hijacking", within Johannesburg’s inner-city Region F, a densely populated area marked by socio-economic challenges, urban decay, and housing shortages. This study investigates the modus operandi employed by perpetrators to unlawfully seize control of buildings, often through fraudulent title transfers, impersonation, rental scams, and forceful takeovers. These actions are frequently facilitated by organised syndicates and, in some cases, corrupt officials, contributing to a cycle of lawlessness and disinvestment in the city’s core. Using a qualitative, phenomenological research design, this study draws on a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with thirteen investigators from the City of Johannesburg’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services. This research reveals that perpetrators exploit legal ambiguities, particularly within the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (PIE Act), to avoid prosecution and reoccupy properties even after eviction. Investigators face numerous challenges, including lack of cooperation from tenants, threats from syndicates, legal constraints, and limited municipal resources. The findings underscore the critical role of modus operandi analysis in identifying patterns of criminal behaviour and enhancing investigative effectiveness. This study highlights the need for improved inter-agency collaboration, enhanced training for investigators, legal reform, and public awareness campaigns. It also recommends the integration of technological tools and the strengthening of property management practices to prevent future hijackings. By illuminating the operational strategies of building hijackers and the systemic vulnerabilities they exploit, this research contributes to academic discourse, informs law enforcement practices, and supports policy development aimed at restoring urban integrity and safeguarding property rights in Johannesburg’s inner city. Abstract and text in English 2025-08-01T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32338 An evaluation of the impact of organisational learning in the SAPS crime intelligence division on crime reduction Scheepers, Sherlock Ashley This study evaluates the impact of organisational learning within the Crime Intelligence Division of the South African Police Service on crime reduction. The study addresses a significant gap in understanding the role of structured learning processes in enhancing policing strategies and operational effectiveness in South Africa’s complex and evolving criminal landscape. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with participants across various ranks and roles within the Division, offering rich insights into their understanding and experiences of organisational learning and its perceived contribution to crime reduction. The findings reveal notable deficiencies in the Division’s current organisational learning practices, exposing systemic challenges that hinder effective knowledge generation, retention, and dissemination. The study highlights a disconnect between the Division’s predominantly reactive operational approach and the proactive, learning-oriented intelligence capabilities needed to address increasingly sophisticated criminal threats. In response, this study proposes a Strategic Organisational Learning Implementation Framework aimed at embedding learning processes systematically within the Division. This framework advances existing knowledge by offering practical guidance for transitioning from reactive policing to a proactive, learning-driven intelligence model, thereby enhancing crime reduction outcomes and supporting broader national security objectives. 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z