Browsing by Author "Singh, Shanta Balgobind."

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An analysis of occupational stress amongst South African Police Services detectives working on murder cases: a case study of Inanda Police Station.
(2019) Sibisi, Nonhle Tracey.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.; Murhula, Bashizi Bashige.
Background: Assistance to employees to maintain a work-life balance has been increasingly recognised as a goal for law enforcement agencies around the world, especially during the last decade. The intense and continuous physical and emotional work demands generate stressors in organisations and employees’ lives. While stress is unavoidable, occupational stressors should be limited and support structures should be effective in equipping workers with coping mechanisms. Policing remains a profession with high exposure to incidents that can trigger stress. The purpose of this study was to analyse occupational stress amongst South African Police Service detectives responding to murder cases. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Data were collected from eight (n=8) murder detectives in the South African Police Service and 2 employees from the Employee, Health and Wellbeing services. Eight (8) murder detectives were located at Inanda Police Station, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and employee health and well-ness practitioners interviewed. The sample was obtained using purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and recorded with a voice recorder. The data were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings: The study found that nature of stress among detectives depends on their work tasks such as exposure to traumatic crime scenes and a high workload. The factors that contribute to occupational stress in murder detectives in Inanda were found to be inherent in the nature of their job (high workload), organisation (career development, lack of resources and lack of effective coordination within the SAPS) and community (demographics of the community and lack of cooperation from the community), resulting in such challenges as psychological, cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. Most detectives do not consider the available support structures as being effective due to the unavailability of employee, health and well-ness practitioners and lack of time to utilise support services. Implications: Based on the findings, it is recommended that employee health and wellness practitioners should improve their marketing strategies in order for detectives to be aware of their support services. It is also important for employee health and wellness practitioners to understand the daily activities of detectives and formulate programmes that will be effective and accessible to them.
Analyzing the inscribed body : an investigation of how the uniform inscribes the body of Zulu-speaking domestics workers in Queensburgh, Durban.
(2010) Harisunker, Nadene.; Singh, Anand.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Domestic workers are commonplace in South African society, with most middle to upper-class homes employing a domestic worker. Recently the area of domestic work in South Africa has gained much needed attention with regard to legal issues. Many domestic workers in the past and even currently, are exposed to exploitation and abuse in many forms. The main concern of this dissertation, however, is the woman that does the domestic work. Women have always been concerned with their bodies – the form and shape, dieting, clothes worn, amongst many other things. Although many may not think so, this concern has not escaped domestic workers. This group of women are extremely concerned with their dress and how their clothes and bodies are perceived by the public. This study addresses this issue paying close attention to the woman behind the uniform. Domestic workers often travel daily to get to their place of work. Commuting to work holds a sense of occasion for them, where, since they do not have much in the way of social lives, they dress up to travel to work. This dressing up is two-fold. Firstly the domestic workers in this study dressed up to impress others (especially other domestic workers) and improve their self-esteem. Secondly, their dress is linked to their past and their future aspirations, many of these women have aspired to become professionals in certain fields, but their goals had become unachievable due to their unfortunate circumstances. These issues are explored and discussed in the dissertation below, situated within the context of the domestic workers lives in South Africa, both during and after work.
Assessing the extent of child trafficking and national reponse to Southern Gondar, Ethiopia.
(2017) Tolla, Aden Dejene.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Human beings were bought and sold like materials for merchants as an exchange by warriors and kings in the early nineteenth century. Unfortunately, this horrible trade has continued in a more terrible manner called human trafficking or modern-day slavery. The issue of human trafficking is a huge concern for most nations. In Ethiopia, trafficking in person has been a common practice - affecting individuals and communities irrespective of age, gender and ethnicity. Child trafficking in Ethiopia is one of their main social problems. This research aims to explore the extent of child trafficking in Este Worda and Debre Tabor Worda, and to investigate the possible community associated factors which cause child trafficking. The national response to fight and control the problem in Ethiopia was also further investigated in this study. The General Strain Theory and Karl Marx Conflict Theory that had been chosen to further explain of the research questions and objectives. This study applies quantitative research method, descriptive and explorative designs is used to address the research questions and documentary data review reports from governmental and non-governmental experiences of strategies, policies and findings from existing documents. A total of 636 household participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique in order to fulfil the quantitative survey. Analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 statistical software packages. The data was analysed by logistic regression, bivariate analysis of factors association, multivariate analysis and Cross tabulation of factors associated with child trafficking were thus investigated. The study interpreted the quantitative findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the extent and prevalence, associated factors, and response to child trafficking in Ethiopia. ix According to the research result in the study area, 128 children had been trafficked in to different places. The extent of child trafficking is about (20 percent) in East Este Woreda in 2016. The result of this study is on based on bivariate and multivariate significant outcomes using SPSS to determine the four independent variables (socio-demographic factors, socio-economic factors, information and communication factors and socio-cultural factors) are possible community associated factors which contributed to child trafficking in the society. The Socio-demographic factors (education, age, marital status and geographical exposure) were found be the factors for a child to be trafficked. Socio-economic factors (poverty, parent disintegration, children expectation and parents’ expectation, luck of structured facilities, influence of returns, demand and hotel owners and broker’s effect) were found to be influential factors for child trafficking as well. There were socio- cultural factors (culture e.g. early marriage, parent poor child care skill, gender violence, domestic violence and seasonal factor) which influenced child trafficking in East Este and Debre Tabor Woreda. Information and communication factors (globalisation, factual awareness about trafficking, less awareness of child rights and access to communication) have been found the main contributed factors for trafficking from this research study. The research also shows that child labour issues are common in Ethiopia. The majority of Ethiopian children who participated in such activities, work as part of the livelihoods of their families. Regarding family duties and responsibility, children usually daughters are more responsible for supporting their parents, this result to scarify themselves by engaging in various social practices like servitude and other works in town and inspire in early marriage to endure the problem. Victim’s relatives, friends, associates and family play a significant role in internal child trafficking in Ethiopia. The response of Ethiopian government to child trafficking is positive but it is very limited and cannot combat the problem. However, Ethiopian government has developed and endorsed regulatory and legal frame works and put various measures in place to a fight, control, prevent and address the problem of child trafficking. Due to the condition, implementation problem, poor governance, no direct support for the victims, shortage of skilled police to examine child trafficking, official corruption, low prosecution of traffickers and limited child trafficking policies are those factors for un success out come and low progress to deal with the problem. Despite the legal provision which take the first line render proper justice on brokers and facilitators of child trafficking in Ethiopia, and the child trafficking policies and legislations have proved to be not strong enough to prevent and protect, obviously there is problem with implementation and direct assistance with victims.
Bouncers’ interaction with patrons in five Durban nightclubs: effectiveness and patrons’ perceptions of bouncers.
(2017) Mbhele, Nkosingiphile Modeccai.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) is responsible for regulating and monitoring the private security sector. This was established in terms of section 2 of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act of 2002. The mandates and principles originating from this Act drove the regulations that currently guide the private security industry. Nightclubs in South Africa have relied heavily on private security companies to protect their property and ensure the safety of patrons during busy nights. However, as far back as 2003, Hobbs, Hadfield, Lister and Winlow (2003) stated that nightclubs and the nighttime economy generally were left unregulated with many activities revolving around a sea of alcohol. Because there is a plethora of evidence that links alcohol and violence, it is important to understand the relationship between bouncers and patrons, as well as the role and competence of bouncers in this relationship, from a scholarly perspective. Bouncers are key players in maintaining safety and security at nightclubs, thus this study investigated the relationship between bouncers and patrons and their respective perspectives on the extent of violence and aggression that occur in nightclubs as places of entertainment where alcohol is sold. The study identified 30 participants by utilising a non-probability sampling method. Of the 30 participants, 10 bouncers were sampled using the purposive sampling technique. Nine bouncers were male and one was female. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to elicit the views of bouncers. Moreover, 20 undergraduate students who had attended any one of the five nightclubs under study were sampled using the convenience sampling technique. Focus group interviews were conducted with undergraduate students at the Howard campus, University of Kwa Zulu -Natal. In this process, males and females were interviewed separately. The study revealed that bouncers generally responded positively regarding their relationship with patrons. However, some concluded that their attitude and behaviour depended on patrons’ behaviour. Bouncers indicated that they were compelled to deal with patrons in a physical manner at least once. Moreover, most of the bouncers had not received relevant security training and they were not in possession of PSIRA cards as recommended by PSIRA. Female patrons generally responded that bouncers conducted their duties correctly and effectively, which contradicted the views of male patrons. One male patron noted that the manner in which bouncers did their job depended on the environment. Neither the male nor the female participants were aware of PSIRA and its rules and regulations that bouncers should abide by. The majority thought that bouncers were only required to be big and physically fit. Some male patrons could recall positive experiences with bouncers, but the majority recalled negative experiences.
Crime prevention, a criminological perspective of Msinga Municipality in the uMzinyathi District, Dundee.
(2017) Zondi, Lawrence Musa.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Crime affects the quality of life for our communities. All South African are directly or indirectly affected by criminal acts and increasing violence that has become associated with these acts. Internationally it has found that crime and violence erodes social cohesion, limits mobility and erodes citizens’trust in the state to protect them (Crime Prevntion Management Course 2014:14). Reducing and building safer communities must be a priority in South Africa. In order to achieve this, crime prevention must be initiated at the community level. Safety is a core human right. It is necessary condition for human development, improving the quality of life and enhancing productivity. Early strategies regarding the provision of safety and security in the country centred on installing collaborative working relationships among key government departments and stakeholders. The holistic approach was articulated in the 1996 National Crime Prevention Strategy. This strategy was geared towards the development of integrated crosscutting programmes. The role played by community safety structures cannot be underestimated in terms of fighting crime. These structures involved inter alia: Community Policing Forums (CPF’s), Community Safety Forums (CSF’s), Community crime prevention association (CCPA), Volunteer social crime prevention programme (VSCPP), Ward Safety Committees, VD Safety teams and Street Committees. The National Development Plan recognises that crime and violence is not just a security issue, but it is multi-faceted. Addressing these cannot be seen as the mandate of the criminal justice system alone, but rather requires the involvement of all government departments, particurlarly those within the social and economic clusters. The National Development Plan recognises that crime and violence is not just a security issue, but has deep social and economic roots consequences (National Development Plan, Vision 2030). Social crime prevention means the prevention of social crime (that crime such as domestic violence, rape, murder, robbery, assaults and theft. Sometimes the concept also encapsulates the crime prevention programmes and approaches that are implemented by our society, organisations, communities and by people who are not part of the criminal justice system and its ultimate objective is to remove the reasons or cause of crime so that it does not take place. Over time, theorists and practitioners have realised that the most effective way to address crime is to prevent it from happening, rather than to respond to it once it has been committed. Social crime prevention addresses factors that influence an individual’s likelihood of committing a crime, such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, poor health care, and low educational performance (Crime Prevention Training Manual, 2013). The role-played by Amakhosi, izinduna, different government departments, criminal justice system and civil society in terms of fighting crime cannot be overemphasised and should be the priority of government at this day and age. The study will highlight the fundamental role of community safety structures such as CPF, CSF, CCPA, VD Safety Teams, Street Committees, etc, and meaningful contributions played by Amakhosi in the fight against crime in our communities. The combination of these community safety structures with the Criminal Justice System will add value in our endevours to prevnt crime crime. It must be remembered that these structures are not getting the attention and support they deserve from our government in the sense that they should be provided with sufficient resources such as stipend, offices, computers and motor vehicles. Some of these structures are not even highly recognised by memebers of the SAPS at the station level, and they are always called or referred to, the people of the CPF Coordinators. Sometimes the station commanders and senior memebers from the police do not even bother to attend CPF meetings at the police stations. Fundamentally, it remains the responsibility of the government to make sure that these community safety structures are continuously receive training, workshop in order to function and operate under the parameters of the law. It is our responsibility as law enforcement agencies to continuously capacitate them to avoid lawlessness and vigilantism in our communities. Violence and crime can change social networks and interactions and create mistrust, not only of the state, but also within communities. This will result to our communities more vulnerable to crime and subsequently perpetuates crime and violent crime (Crime Prevntion Management Course 2014:14).
Criminological analysis on mechanisms used to control shoplifting in Durban Central Business District.
(2020) Singini, Olipa Josophine.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The act of taking consumer items from retail stores is deemed as punishable criminal offence. To date, there are high levels of consumer goods theft. Shoplifting can be dangerous in nature due to psychical alteration upon apprehension of the criminal, should they resist security. Physical alteration is not the only cause for concern, retail shrinkage and job loss due to bankruptcy can occur in cases of severe shoplifting. As a result, communities suffer the consequences of economic and social micro-levels. This study intended to identify the motivations behind shoplifting in Durban Central Business District by focusing on the victimization of the retail store and the store chosen prevention measures. This was a deliberate attempt to uncover whether retail stores and the communities are aware of such dangers. The Criminal Justice System and security department of the store are aware of such and have a number of preventative measures against shoplifting, in place. This study analysed shoplifting and the store prevention measures in Durban Central Business District. The main objective of the study was to analyse the impact of shoplifting within the Durban Central Business District. Whilst identifying the mechanisms that have been put into place to combat shoplifting in food and clothing retail stores, furthermore, assessing the effectiveness of these mechanisms within the retail stores are in curbing the high levels of shoplifting. Making sure to identify legislations used by the specific retail store in order to prevent shoplifting. In order to achieve this, a qualitative approach was used, in conjunction to convenient sampling and purpose sampling methods. Semi-structured Interviews where conducted on participants that were purposively selected. The data was then analysed thematically. Main findings of this study revealed that the issue of shoplifting in the DCBD was a geographical issue in accordance with the crime pattern theory, as well as gender based, were shops with female guards or female staff experienced higher levels of shoplifting than male staffed stores. Findings also highlighted that most crimes occurred when there were high volumes of traffic, the shops closer to the main network of people interaction. The Workshop Mall experienced more cases of shoplifting than the shops furthest away as it is not as crowed. The issue of shop theft is a great challenge to combat within the police and retail system, as a respondent confirmed that shoplifting is now a part of their everyday lives. The study revealed that shops have become accustomed to being victimized by offenders and have in place their own regulations and security measure. Other shops acknowledged the effectiveness of measures, whilst others denied any security measures in curbing shoplifting. Based on this study’s findings, the researcher recommends that SAPS needs to be visible in patrol areas around town to ensure that shoplifters are aware that a law enforcement official is on patrol. Police further ensure that they are highly responsive when a crime is reported. Retail businesses spend large sums of money on security measures to combat theft, therefore it is unfortunate when a criminal is released from police custody without any charges as shoplifters continue to steal. Also, organisations such as community safety, SAPS and retail stores should formulate programs that are aimed towards de-normalising the act of shoplifting in the Durban Central Business District and across other communities. Only the authority can safe guard a business by working together with it, which is one of the responsibility of a Criminal Justice System. A more severe punishment of five years from the judiciary system must be enforced, the reason stores keep being victimized is because a fine and a few months in jail is the only available punishment system in place. Furthermore, offenders tend to work in groups or a pair therefore constant inventory should be done in the retail stores the moment a crowd walks in, vigilance on the employees stuff and 3 months training programmes must be given.
A criminological analysis on safety and security of African foreign nationals in Durban, South Africa.
(2019) Cinini, Samuel Fikiri.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The South African local citizens are not xenophobic, but they are rather forced to behave as such due to poverty, unemployment and serious social inequalities that characterise their communities. If these conditions are addressed through improved service delivery, foreign nationals could be spared from the blame. The scapegoating theory shows that local citizens do not hate foreigners but rather blame them because of strains caused by unsatisfactory life conditions which lead them to violent reactions against foreign nationals mostly from African countries. This research was undertaken to explore the threatening factors and experiences faced by foreign nationals on their safety and security in the city of Durban South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative methodology consisting of 50 in-depth interviews with African foreign nationals living in the city of which 16 African countries were represented in the research. Nevertheless, the displayed acts during the xenophobic [violence] attacks are of serious concern within the field of criminology holistically. Common law offences, such as; [physical] assault (I.e. Grievous Bodily Harm - GBH), arson, rape, injuries verbal abuse, house robberies, property damage as well as discrimination are serious crimes characterised by xenophobic violent attacks on foreign nationals. This urges for the re-definition of the concept “xenophobia” from a criminological perspective. Previously considered as mere hatred sentiments or negative attitudes towards foreigners, this research provides a different way of understanding xenophobia. This criminological analysis on safety and security of African foreign nationals in the city of Durban suggests that xenophobia can best be understood as a series of crimes against foreign nationals -which are violent in nature leading to physical beating, killing and the looting of goods as well as destroying of properties owned by foreign nationals. These crimes are a serious violation of human rights affecting the human security of the people victims as they constitute a violation of both the international humanitarian laws and national laws providing protection of the human rights of every individual. The issue of safety and security of African foreign nationals is threatened by constant fear owing to experiences of violence and discrimination, social exclusion marked by anti-immigrant attitudes by some local citizens. Local authorities, community members and the government need to come together in association with foreign nationals’ representatives and re-think possibilities of social integration and cohesion. As with anyone, foreigners’ nationals living in South Africa must have unhindered access to the socio-economic and cultural facilities available in communities they live. This will make them feel part of the community. Since the South African government is a signatory of different international frameworks and treaties accepting to temporarily and permanently host people from other countries worldwide, different awareness campaign programs are needed within the communities aiming at creating an environment of understanding the importance and need of living with people from different nationalities. This itself will create a safe and happy place for both South African citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country.
A criminological exploration of community policing forums in Durban, South Africa: a study based on Glenwood Suburb and Cato Manor Township.
(2018-10) Dlamini, Siyanda.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Crime continues to be a serious problem in South Africa, as the country ranks 3rd on the global crime index as at 2016. The damaging impact of crime on the safety and security of communities, peace and stability in the country as well as its effect on the country’s reputation among potential international tourists and investors, and how all these affect the general quality of life of ordinary citizens need no emphasis. Crime solutions that work, and are cost effective remain elusive. However, due to its success in reducing crime rates in different parts of the world since its introduction in the United States of America during the 1970s, community policing is now a standard ideological and policy model guiding mission statements, goals, and reform programs of most policing agencies across the world. Regardless of its enviable status in the practicing of policing, more than twenty (20) years after the attainment of democracy, the question beckons whether the inception of community policing and particularly community policing forums is an effective strategy within the South African communities to combat and prevent crime. This thesis draws from three theories namely normative sponsorship (Tiedke et al.et al. 1975), broken windows (Wilson & Kelling, 1997) and social resource (Wong, 2008) theories to explore the understanding, organization and challenges of community policing forums (CPFs) in two dissimilar suburban areas in Durban. The aim is to gain a qualitative understanding of its challenges in order to find ways in which community policing as an enviable crime prevention strategy can be improved to make communities safer. The findings collected through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with a total number of fifty-five (55) participants comprising of South African Police Service (SAPS) and CPFs representatives, political leaders and ordinary members of the two communities suggest limited knowledge of and affinity to CPFs by community members. This owes partly to lack of communication, resources, trust, as well as political interference and SAPS organisational culture, which affect the functioning of these CPFs. A comparative analysis between the two areas noted differences in participation by the youth, police, and community members as well as their remuneration. Together, these findings suggest that more effort is needed from both the community and the police for an effective functioning of the CPFs. While the findings may be limited to the present case study areas, they indicate that an effective implementation of CPFs in resource-constrained and relatively affluent areas in South Africa demands more attention. There is no doubt that this insight might be usefully adapted to maximize CPFs in a related context in and beyond South Africa. Conceptually, the findings demonstrate that if the fight against crime is to have any meaning, it is essential that community policing, especially CPFs be thoroughly understood. This is particularly important in the South African context because community policing without a clear focus on crime risk factors generally has no effect on crime. These risk factors include the so-called “root causes” of crime. This study ends by pointing to understanding community policing outside cultural contexts as the other important area that warrant further inquiry to address challenges of CPFs that compromise effective crime prevention.
A criminological investigation into the South African correctional services approach towards offenders' rehabilitation: a case study of the Westville Correctional Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2019) Murhula, Bashizi Bashige.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The South African Department of Correctional Services has a constitutional mandate to provide rehabilitation programmes that address offenders’ criminal conducts. The rehabilitation approach currently used to deliver this mandate is grounded on the needs-based model where dynamic factors associated with recidivism are systematically targeted in the treatment of offenders’ criminal behaviours. But the reality of the matter is that there are systemic problems that challenge the Department of Correctional Services both conveying its moral messaging and fulfilling its legal commitment to the rehabilitation of offenders. It is alleged from the media reports that South Africa still has one of the highest crimes and recidivism rates in the world. The high crime rate in South Africa created a “rush to incarcerate”, but little attention has been paid to its rehabilitation approach. When offenders re-offend, they are frequently blamed, yet ineffective implementation of rehabilitation programmes is rarely considered to be at fault. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the South African rehabilitation approach at the Westville Correctional Centre. A literature study aimed at describing essential information related to the study and theories applied in designing rehabilitation programmes was expounded. Thereafter an empirical investigation was conducted. Qualitative research methodology was employed, and a case study research design was utilised. Purposeful non-probability sampling was utilised to involve inmates and Westville Correctional Centre personnel in the study. Thirty inmates and twenty Westville Correctional Centre officials who met the inclusion criteria for the study were selected to participate. Semi-structured interview schedule and focus groups were used to collect data during the empirical investigation. Through analysing the results, the findings of this study demonstrated that the Department of Correctional Services mission is far to be accomplished due to its failure to implement rehabilitation programmes. Data generated in this study indicates that the approaches used in implementing rehabilitation strategies may not be well comprehended by the officers. Furthermore, the issue of overcrowding at the Westville Correctional Centre is the major factor inhibiting successful implementation of needs-based care rehabilitation programmes. Besides overcrowding problem, the Westville Correctional Centre structure does not allow for offices for professionals to implement rehabilitation programmes. The research study, therefore, recommends that if correctional centres in South Africa is to have any success in reducing re-offending, then a critical review of the strategy meant to achieve this goal is required. International literature has proven that the implementation of effective rehabilitation programmes can reduce reoffending and can be more cost-effective than other forms of sanctions.
Cyberstalking: a content analysis of gender-based offenses committed online.
(2019) Ahmed, Nelufa.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The 21st century has come up with the increased usage of technology and this has been welcomed by cyber stalkers for it has exacerbated cyberstalking. Cyberstalking therefore has grown considerably within the contemporary environment. Cyberstalking entails the inappropriate, uninvited social exchange behaviours initiated by a perpetrator via online or wireless communication technology and devices. Forms of cyberstalking includes sending threatening or obscene electronic emails, harassing in chat rooms, spamming, tracing another person's computer and internet activity, and posting threatening or harassing messages on blogs or through social media. The study utilised qualitative research methods in which documentary search was utilised as the secondary source of data collection. The study therefore gathered that gender based offences have considerably increased online. The study gathered that women (particularly young women aged 18-24) disproportionately experience severe types of cyber harassment, namely cyberstalking and online sexual harassment. The study also gathered that there are a number of ways which have been documented to deal with cybercrime. Raising awareness, setting up and supporting peer-support networks for the eradicating gender based offences committed online and there is need for industry regulations such as punishment from using twitter and YouTube if found to be offensive. The study also gathered that cyber stalkers are motivated by a number of ways. The first category are those that need to fulfil the psychological needs, wishes, or cravings regarding the victim on the part of the perpetrator and the second category are those motivated by the need to instil fear and gain control over the victim. The third group consists of those cyber stalkers who are motivated with the need to seek revenge or punish the victim. And the last group of cyber stalkers are those motivated by the need to build a relationship with the victim. The study therefore recommends for the need to implement cyber stalking regulations within South Africa for the ones that have been acted are not being efficient in combating cyberstalking.
The developments of a prosecutorial approach to combat income tax fraud in South Africa.
(2022) Shandu, Smangele Nkosingiphile.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is South Africa’s tax collecting authority. SARS was established under the SARS Act [No. 34 of 1997] as an autonomous agency, which is responsible for South Africa’s tax system and customs service. Tax is a crucial aspect of life for all citizens. Tax compliance contributes to national fiscus, and has positive implications such as better schools, improved social amenities, well-resourced hospitals, and strong domestic infrastructure. A common form of fraud against government is tax fraud in which either individual taxpayers do not pay taxes or they try to find illegal ways to avoid paying taxes. There has been a noticeable increase in targeted attacks from cybercriminals taking advantage of the SARS’ e-filing system. Government initiatives to combat crime have largely focused on visible and violent crime, while ‘white-collar crimes’ of fraud and corruption have not been high on the policy agenda. This study was conducted in Durban under KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. A qualitative research approach was adopted in this study to explore the development of a prosecutorial approach to combat income tax fraud in South Africa. Interpretive and constructivism qualitative paradigms were deemed suitable to allow participants to describe their understanding, interpretations, narratives, and personal experiences of efforts to combat tax fraud in South Africa. Phenomenological research design was adopted to explore the phenomenon under investigation. Thirty- one (n=31) key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with Ngubane National Accountants and Auditing Firm (NNAAF) experts who at a time were qualified Accountants, Internal Auditors, and Forensic Auditors. Twenty (n=20) in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) were conducted with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) experts who at a time were qualified Specialised tax unit prosecutors (NPA STU) and NPA Asset-Forfeiture Unit (NPA AFU) prosecutors. The participants were purposively selected to share their expert knowledge on taxation systems and tax fraud in South Africa. Fifty -one (n=51) participants were interviewed individually in this study. Three interview guides containing lists of open-ended research questions were used to collected quality data.The researcher took field notes during interviews and the interviewed participants were informed of the study purpose. The participants signed an informed consent form as evidence of agreeing to participate voluntarily. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse, code, and categorise themes that emerged from the interviews. Study findings revealed that there is a lack of skills and knowledge on detection, investigation, and prosecution of income tax fraud amongst accountants, auditors, investigators, and prosecutors in South Africa. The lack of technological investigative skills on tax crimes results in infective prosecution of tax crimes. Shortage of cybercrime and specialised tax unit prosecutors has a negative impact on quality investigation and prosecutions of tax fraud. Technological challenges on detection, investigation and prosecution processes have an impact in collecting digital evidence and in effective prosecution. Conflict of interests amongst stakeholders results in poor stakeholder co-operation. Findings also show that tax fraud perpetrators usually get fines rather than direct imprisonment. Findings reveals that the criminal justice system is not treating this crime the same way as violent crimes. There is lack of stakeholder co-operation and legislative challenges to investigate and prosecute tax crimes. The use of accounting and auditing firms has been categorised as poor. E-filing is an effective technological tool to detect, investigate, collect digital evidence, and prosecute tax fraud offenders. However, it has contributed to the current scourge of tax fraud. This study recommends that SARS as a primary tax administration stakeholder should engage with the public and private sector to develop a technological tool that will be used by taxpayers and stakeholders to report suspected tax fraud. SARS e-filing system needs to be re-implemented and improved to deter tax fraud. All tax crimes stakeholders (SARS, accounting and auditing firms, SAPS, and NPA) must sign a memorandum of understand (MoU) to enforce working relationship. All tax crimes stakeholders should conduct public workshops to promote tax compliance and deter tax crimes. Taxpayers must use the services of accounting and auditing firms to comply with tax legislation. Cybercrime investigators must be employed and trained to incapacitate them with skills and knowledge to collect digital evidence admissible in court. The NPA must employ additional tax unit prosecutors and provide cybercrime prosecution process training. All tax crimes stakeholders should implement and adopt tax fraud prevention strategies. Tax laws must be amended to allow the criminal justice processes to access all taxpayers’ information and there should be separation of powers between SARS and NPA AFU.
Educators experiences on the prevalence of drugs and intervention programs within schools in the Phoenix area.
(2017) George, Krinesha.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.; Tolla, Aden Dejene.
The issue of drugs is extremely sensitive and prevalent regarding children abusing these substances. Drug use is a phenomenon that is across South Africa, polluting our schools and killing our future generations. There are strategies and infrastructure provided by government authorities. However, there is a lack of intervention and prevention carried out by the stakeholders of the South African school learner. Studies focus on statistics and ignore the actual impact of the use of drugs by school learners. The statistics of the minority of learners easily influence or distract the majority of learners; this study reveals the effect of the use of drugs in a school environment and expose the lack of intervention by stakeholders. The first objective of this study is to establish the prevalence of drugs in two schools in the Phoenix area, which is, situated North of KwaZulu-Natal. These schools will be referred to as School A and School B. The study explores educator’s experiences regarding drug related offences and crimes, ascertain educator’s views on factors that contribute to drug related crimes in School A and School B, lastly this study ascertains if there are any intervention strategies practiced in School A and School B. The purpose behind educator’s as the participants and key informants of this dissertation, is that educators have the most valuable knowledge about learners in schools, they are aware of changes which occur in learner’s behaviour, the background of learners and the status of learners. The theoretical framework of this study employed sociological theories such as the Anomie Theory, Social control and self-control theory, social learning and subcultural theory and the theory of selective interaction. The determination behind the use of these theories is due to the diverse backgrounds, which school learners originate from in the Phoenix Area. The researcher employed a qualitative methodology, as this method of research focuses more on the actual issue and allows the researcher to explore and gain insight rather than the significance of statistics. The outcome of this study demonstrated that drugs do exist in School A and School B. The result of the study was shocking, as participants claimed to be aware of parents whom allow learners to sell drugs, consume drugs and work for drug lords. Educator’s experiences include incidents of possession of drugs to issues whereby learners sell homemade drugs and alcohol. The factors of drugs use by learner’s stem from sociological problems, and are further explained by the nominated theories. Although the Department of Education has employed methods of intervention, this research has found that the bare minimum has been done to implement these programs and save learners from the vulnerability of drugs in this population. Educators claim that, stakeholders of this community have not done enough. This dissertation has successfully achieved all objectives, by demonstrating that educators do experience issues of drug use in school, educators are aware of drug crimes which learners conduct in school and that there is a lack of implementation by stakeholders of the school learning environment. Educators were also able to identify the lack of social control, poverty and peer-pressure as contributing factors to drug use by school learners.
The effects of community violence on learners in a rural context.
(2012) Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Gopal, Nirmala Devi.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Much has been learned over the past decade about the way children respond to experiences of violence in their community. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of violence on the academic performance of learners, those who have been directly affected and those who have been witnessing violence being perpetrated either against close friends and relatives or against other people generally. The findings of the study suggest that both direct and indirect victims of crime are affected by violence which, in turn, has negative effects on their school performance. This research was conducted at Swayimana, a rural area in Pietermaritzburg under the Umshwathi municipality. In this area perpetrators of crime are young people against other young people, although occasionally senior members of the community have instigated violence.
An exploration of communal responses to burglary at residential premises in the Cato Crest informal settlement of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province.
(2019) Mpofu, Zandile Faith.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.; Murhula, Bashizi Bashige.
Violence and crime in countries such as South Africa are shaped by deep socio-economic inequalities; however, the spatial designs of urban areas and housing also play a role, but often in differing ways. There is little qualitative research published on communal responses to burglary in informal settlements where the hyper-permeability of housing structures directly shapes residents’ experiences of crime. This dissertation reflects on the wider literature on the consequences and experiences community members have on residential burglary. The dissertation examines the nature, effects, responses and programmes to curb burglary in the informal settlement area of Cato Crest, Durban. It asserts that the informal settlement have serious adverse effects on the people’s housing quality and their built environment. The secondary data was obtained from books, journals and seminar papers Data were obtained through semi-structured one-on-one interviews with the community members of Cato Crest informal settlement. The study provides a range of new insights into the problem of burglary and confirms some of the findings from research previously conducted elsewhere. The analysis of the area reveals that both the burglary rate and the proportion of repeat burglaries are much higher in the public housing areas. The high burglary rate in this area is partly attributable to the large number of burglaries of vacant public housing dwellings, usually involving the theft of household items such as mobile phones, stoves and television sets. Various research and policy implications emerge from the study, such as: the need to address police data quality issues; the need for the police or the nearby clinics to employ psychologists that will be readily available for the victims who experienced burglaries and cannot cope; the need for greater clarification in defining what is meant by repeat burglary victimisation; the need to provide programs for the community to curb burglary; the need for greater cooperation between the police and the community members to curb such crimes as burglary. Therefore, government is encouraged to see informal settlements as a solution to new city planning rather than a problem to the urban areas. This research study suggests the implementation of policies and planning, physical infrastructural development, social economic improvement, environment and health improvement. Government, the private sector and communities’ interventions on informal settlements are required in order to prevent burglaries by making sure the perpetrators are punished and the victims are taken care of.
An exploration of police killings in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2019) Noxhaka, Nomasiza.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
This research aimed to explore police killings in selected areas (Kwamakhutha, Amanzimtoti, Durban central and Point police station) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The motivation for the study was to generate in-depth understanding of police killings by eliciting detailed, authentic data from selected interviewed participants. It is envisaged that the findings, after appropriate dissemination, will enable the South African Police Services to understand the conditions of such in order to devise preventive strategies to curb the killing of police officials, whether they are on or off duty. The information on police killings should provide the management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) with a better and more holistic understanding of situations where police officials are at risk. In ensuring that the goals of this study would be achieved, a qualitative approach was used that assisted the researcher to focus on conditions that instigate police killings while they are on duty and executing their duties, or when they are off duty. The causes of police killings during these conditions were thus analyzed and the effects of this constant threat under which they live were explored. A set of pre-determined questions enabled the researcher to generate data in order to explore particular themes that emerged from the participants’ responses. To analyse data, the Thematic Analysis (TA) method was utilized. The interviews were voice recorded and transcribed. The researcher then familiarized herself with the data for in-depth and perceptive analyses. In this process, common threads that occurred in the various responses allowed patterns to emerge that elucidated common causes for the killing of police officers as well as commonalities in the experiences and views of the interview participants. The main findings highlighted the need for preventative measures to curb and eventually eradicate police killings in KZN Province. Some measures that have been used are the wearing of bulletproof vests and being vigilant at all times; however, these have not been efficient as police killings are still escalating. Contributing factors for these killings were found to be the ready availability of police firearms, police officials’ presence in inappropriate places such as taverns, and the shortage of backups in high-risk areas. Criminals’ motives for the killing of police officers were found to be the desire to obtain firearms, to hijack police officials’ private vehicles, to escape arrest, and to procure police uniforms that are worn as a disguise in the execution of more crime.
An exploration of the roles of traditional courts in combating crime: a study of the Maphumulo traditional tribe, Stanger.
(2020) Jili, Snethemba Hopefull Fundiswa.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The restorative justice system has existed among nations across the world for centuries. It is argued that this form of justice draws on the wisdom of indigenous cultures for restorative and not punitive justice. To recognise and promote restorative forms of justice, many countries have developed protocols, standards, and ethical procedures for practitioners of restorative justice. One such tool is indigenous or tribal courts. South Africa is amongst those countries that acknowledge restorative justice as its indigenous people have been using traditional systems as a tool to manage crime for a very long time. African restorative justice is embedded in African norms, values and beliefs that provide society with normative but often unwritten outlines for maintaining social peace, resolve conflict, and combat crime. However, the arrival of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa disrupted most Africans’ political, economic, cultural, and social lives. Fortunately, the traditional justice system has survived as it still exists and thrives in resolving disputes and managing crime in some parts of South Africa, especially in rural areas. However, because South Africa is a democratic country that has been steered by a human rights-based Constitution for more than two decades, this study was conducted to address the question whether rural communities have unrestricted access to the formal justice system, or whether they are effectively served by a tribal justice system. This was done against background evidence that the formal justice system has been unable to reach and serve all the inhabitants of this country, and that rural people in particular would then seek legal support and restitution by approaching the traditional justice system. The overarching aim of the study was thus to investigate the role of alternative justice measures in combating crime in a rural area. The study objectives were to: (i) explore the laws and procedures applied by a traditional court to address crime; (ii) to determine whether these laws and procedures were in line with the South African Constitution; and (iii) to ascertain the effectiveness of the traditional court to combat crime in the area under study. The study adopted an exploratory and descriptive research design, and the qualitative research approach was used to obtain the required information. The study findings revealed that, more than two decades into democracy, many residents in this rural area experienced frustrating challenges when they wished to access the formal justice system. It was mainly for this reason that the participants admitted that they relied almost exclusively on the traditional justice system as their only effective and available channel to seek restitution for legal matters and injustices. This study concluded that the role played by the traditional justice system in the rural area under study bridged the gap between rural residents and the formal justice system. Therefore, although this informal justice system was undeniably plagued by shortcomings such a gender-based approach that seemed to favour the voice of men and marginalise that of women, it was concluded that this traditional court was effective in combating acts of crime that might otherwise have escalated into serious threats against justice and the peaceful coexistence of the affected community.
An exploratory study on the rehabilitation of female offenders in South Africa.
(2022) George, Krinesha.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
No two female offenders are the same. No two crimes are the same. Therefore, rehabilitation programmes need to be tailor-made to match the offender and the offender's crime. The purpose of offender rehabilitation stems from more than just discipline, and it is an opportunity for an offender to better herself. Owing to the low rate of female offending compared to male offending, previous studies focus mostly on male rehabilitation and experiences using a blanket approach to address female offender rehabilitation. This study was theorised to explore current rehabilitation programmes explicitly offered to female offenders and further exposes the lack of effective rehabilitative programmes available for female offenders. Female offenders are the key informants of this study, as they are one of the end-users of the rehabilitation programmes which the Department of Correctional Services1 offers. The marginalisation theory by Meda-Chesney Lind played a vital role in explaining the motive of crime for some female offenders (Mohammed, Banarjee and Khatun, 2014). According to Statistics South Africa (2020), females experience higher poverty levels within South Africa than their male counterparts. The researcher used a qualitative methodology to explore the experiences of female offenders who have been enrolled in rehabilitative programmes. This study concluded that rehabilitative programmes that are currently available are offered to assist female offenders with social challenges like poverty and unemployment. However, the lack of offence-specific programmes results in recidivism and offenders re-entering the correctional system to repeat the same programmes to meet their parole requirements. The risk factors of female offending identified within the study include poverty, anger, and drug use. Although the Department of Correctional Services has firm policy documents in place, poor implementation of these policies has failed the offenders and resulted in increased rates of recidivism. This study has successfully achieved its objectives by exploring current rehabilitation programmes, identifying the limitations of these rehabilitation programmes, and developing offence specific programmes such as career guidance for female offenders.
Exploring diversion programmes for youth in conflict with the law: case studies of the Youth Empowerment Scheme Programme at NICRO, Durban, South Africa.
(2017) Ntuli, Precious Nolwazi.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
The high level of crime in South Africa remains a concern. More particularly, crime that involves youth offenders puts them at high risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Although some studies showed that diversion programmes succeed in reducing re-offending, some showed that these programmes had no impact, and some showed that they had a negative impact. Despite some success in reducing crime among youth who were in conflict with the law by means of rehabilitating them in diversion programmes, some youth find it difficult to live their lives in harmony with the behavioural norms of their society and they are often tempted to deviate due to their circumstances. Even though much work has been done in recent years through diversion programmes and although efforts have been made to determine the effectiveness of diversion programmes, an illumination of the perspectives and understanding of youth is limited in the literature. Therefore, this study engaged in an explorative research process in order to provide a detailed description of youths’ understanding of their own criminal behaviour after completing the Youth Empowerment Scheme programme. The study also aimed at and was able to identify factors that contributed to the criminal behaviour of young people in the South African society.
Exploring educators’ experiences on school-based violence in peri-urban high schools, Umlazi Durban, South Africa.
(2018) Ngidi, Thandanani.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Literature suggest that high levels of school-based violence are possibly a reflection of social disintegration which has negative consequences to both learners and teachers. Most studies focus on how violence in South African schools affect learners and hardly document educator’s experience of school-based violence. The South African Council of Educators (2011), emphasized the need for policy actors and stakeholders to consider the effect of school-based violence on educators as the menace is not limited to leaners. Recognising this vacuum, this study set out to investigate the influence of School Based Violence on educators in peri urban Umlazi, Durban South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative methodology to effectively unravel and examine educators’ narratives of school-based violence. The population for this study were educators from Ogwinni, Ndukwenhle and Swelihle High Schools in Umlazi. Fifteen (15) educators were selected equally (5 each) from the three high schools to participate in the study. The findings from the in-depth interviews was analysed using thematic content analysis. This followed a process of content study that allowed the researcher develop themes that provided a descriptive and critical analysis of educators’ narratives of school-based violence. Findings from this study reveals that school-based violence poses danger to educators and leaners. The menace is potentially damaging to the social, psychological and physical wellbeing of all stakeholders within the learning environment. Violence in schools contributes to low educational achievement among learners due to depression, fear and lack of concentration in class and as such it becomes very difficult for educators to carry out their duties. The most common forms of school-based violence included: bullying, vandalism, gangsterism, sexual harassment, discrimination, assaults, fights and drug abuse. It also became evident that many learners in this area exhibit behavioral problems that are prevalent within the socio-economic conditions of the community in which they live in. Consequently, the study advances the need for capacity developmental programmes for educators to manage situations that could escalate into violence within learning spaces. It recommends that the management of these schools must recognise the importance of enforcing the school code of conduct with consistent disciplinary measures. Parent must also acknowledge that discipline and ensuring conformity among leaners is not solely the responsibility of educators as such there is a need for a combined effort between educators and parents in curbing the menace school-based violence in South Africa.
India and its diaspora: making sense of Hindu identity in South Africa.
(Taylor & Francis., 2014) Gopal, Nirmala Devi.; Khan, Sultan.; Singh, Shanta Balgobind.
Indian immigrants to South Africa in the late nineteenth century differed in terms of their origins, motivations, belief systems, customs, and practices from the indigenous African population as well as from the ruling white settler elite. It is within this context that this paper interrogates some of the ways in which several generations of (Indian) Hindus constructed and continue to (re)construct their religious identities in South Africa. Data for this study were achieved by administering face-to-face questionnaires to 66 individuals in the Metropolitan Area of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The sample (selected through snowball sampling) comprised third to fifth generation Indians belonging to the four major language groups (Tamil, Telegu, Gujarati, and Hindi) residing in South Africa. Following the questionnaire responses, interviews were conducted with a selected number of respondents from the same sample. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS while analysis of qualitative data followed a thematic model.