Exploration of factors that contribute to police killings at Ethekwini District, Kwazulu-Natal

Abstract

This study aimed to explore factors that contribute to police killings at EThekwini District focusing at Inanda and Durban Central police station in KwaZulu-Natal. The main problem that led to this study was the high number of police fatalities recorded in South Africa especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The study sought to uncover the views of SAPS members, regarding factors that contributed to police killings. As the findings have been articulated and established, the research seeks to enlighten members of the SAPS about the factors that contribute to police killings, and the reviving of police awareness on factors that contribute to police killings. This research was conducted amongst South African Police Service members. The probability sampling was utilized to select SAPS detectives which were interviewed. The researcher used the qualitative research approach and conducted semi-structured interviews using an interview schedule. The interviews were voice recorded and transcribed. The researcher then familiarized herself with the data for in-depth and perceptive analyses. Also, literature and personal experience was utilized in data collection and analysis. The findings of this study indicated that most of the factors that contribute to police killings include but are not limited to, police being killed whilst drinking in the taverns or shebeens carrying state firearms, police involvement in corruption, police behaviour, involvement with gangs and failure to wear bulletproof vests as well as lack of firearm training and physical and tactical training. Other contributory factors were found to be police officers who are involved in taxi industries as owners or as private security, or involved in illegal activities such as drug turf wars where police members are being killed during revenge attacks. The researcher has made recommendations that will assist in the fight against police killings, which include more training of police members when it comes to Section 49 of the CPA, Act 51 of 1977, physical training and creation of basic forensic courses for police members to try and enhance their skills and knowledge in the investigation of crime, as well as more workshops and refresher courses related to murder investigation as well as how police members should conduct themselves with regards to their social lives.