Research Articles (Criminology and Forensic Studies)

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A cause to unravel the role of criminologists in compiling pre-sentence report: a South African perspective.
(Taylor and Francis, 2020) Diko, Bongolethu.; Olofinbiyi, Sogo Angel.; Steyn, Jéan.
A sizeable number of individuals, including members of the criminal justice system, have limited knowledge of the value of criminologists’ proficiency to compile an intensive pre-sentence report. To fill in this gap and gain an in-depth understanding of how criminologists can contribute as active participants in the criminal court, a qualitative research paradigm involving one-on-one in-depth interviews was employed to collect the data information that was required for the study. The findings strongly suggest that criminologists, who are currently functioning peripherally in the CJS, can be employed to exert greater influence on the compilation of PSRs, not only in the Durban High Court but also across a diverse range of contemporary global societies. More elaborately, the study has adequately demonstrated that the professionalization of criminologists should not only be restricted to research and scholastic endeavours.
Darker shades of brown: managing race relations culture among military police in South Africa.
(2024-03) Akpan, Udoh James.; Steyn, Jéan.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Sihlobo, Mfuneko Merriman.
This study investigates the intricate connections between race and police culture, exploring how solidarity, isolation, and cynicism vary among military police officers in South Africa: Blacks and Whites. Adopting a quantitative approach, the research examines how racial identity shapes officers' experiences within the force, potentially influencing their sense of belonging, professional detachment, and disillusionment. Using a survey format, the researcher employed a non-experimental ex post facto (cross-sectional) design. This study employs descriptive analysis to describe characteristics that exist within different variables. The study established in general that SANDF MPOs have attitudes in support of police culture themes of solidarity and isolation but do not have a police culture of cynicism according to race variables. However, the study also finds that, in more than half of the SANDF MPOs, the respondents evinced attitudes in support of the police culture theme of cynicism. Statistically significant differences, differences of kind, and differences of degree were found in relation to all race categorical dependent variables (Blacks and Whites). The study provides an empirical peek into military police culture, allows for comparisons between public police culture and military police culture, and contributes novel knowledge to broader police culture in general.
The development of policing in Britain in the next five years.
(2013-03) Yesufu, Shaka.
The British police service is currently going through a radical transformation phase. The present Tory-led coalition government has set out an agenda to bring about drastic changes in policing. These proposed changes are unprecedented in the history of policing since 1829. The police service is governed by a tripartite arrangement of checks and balances laid down under the Police Act 1964. By this I mean that there are three key players in relation to police governance in Britain: the Home Secretary, the local police authority and the chief constable. The future of policing in the next five years is set out clearly by the Home Secretary, Theresa May MP, under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, which is currently being reviewed in the House of Lords. The recent phone hacking scandal has made it imperative for the British public to have a closer look at the police service in relation to proper accountability. There have been references to police corruption as far back as the era of 'parish constables', dating back to 1800, when it was alleged that police officers took bribes, got drunk whilst on duty and lacked moral credibility to protect and serve us (Critchley, 1978). In the seventies and eighties the British public was informed of another scandal involving members of Scotland Yard and criminal gangs in the East End of London. In this article, I shall argue that the issue of police corruption is not a new phenomenon. It is has been an ongoing issue that has haunted the police for over a century. This article is divided into three parts. In the first part of the article I present the following issues: the Metropolitan Police policing plan 2011-2014; the merits and demerits of the policing plan; tripartite police accountability and its shortcomings; democratic accountability and localisation of policing; the professionalisation of policing and the creation of the Police Body; review of police pay and benefits; and the impact of this on police officers' morale. In the second part of my article I present some of the criticisms levelled against the ongoing police reforms. I will look at the criticisms from both internal and external perspectives. By internal criticism, I mean police officers' opposition to the reforms. By external criticism, I mean criticisms from criminologists and members of the British public. In the third part of my article I made my position clear on where I stand in relation to the ongoing police reforms. I shall argue that the current ongoing job cuts in the police service are a disaster waiting to happen, and that our safety has been compromised by politicians. We are now living at the mercy of criminals and law breakers due to manpower shortage. We are all living witnesses to the ongoing public disturbances in Tottenham, Enfield, Brixton, Peckham, Walthamstow and Croydon, in London. The speed of the spread of these riots to other cities like Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool occurred on an unimaginable scale. We all watched how difficult it was for the police to restore order and normality. Rioters looted and plundered goods and burnt down buildings as if no laws existed in our country. A complete breakdown of law and order put the lives of citizens at risk. My article makes a passionate appeal to the present coalition government to rethink the issue of reducing the numbers of police officers protecting us. I shall argue that we need more police officers in Britain not fewer. The level of anger and social discontent is higher than the government ever anticipated, partly because of economic hardship. My argument is that economic hardship is not an excuse to commit burglary, theft, arson, murder and criminal damage with intent to endanger life. Rioters are shameless opportunists, a bunch of hoodlums, criminals who have no place in any civilised society, who should be made to face the due process of law.
Discriminatory use of police stop-and search powers in London, UK.
(Vathek Publishing., 2013) Yesufu, Shaka.; ;
Black Londoners have complained over the years of being overpoliced and harassed by police officers. The history of such contentious encounters between members of the Black community and the police service dates back to the 1970s, an era that was characterised by the implementation of the ‘Suspicion Laws’, popularly referred to as the ‘Sus Laws’, which emanated from the legislation of the Vagrancy Act of 1824. It was an era most Black people would prefer not to talk about because of the oppressive encounters they experienced with the police. This paper has three purposes: first, to highlight the history of police abuses of power in relation to dealing with Black Londoners in a discriminatory way; second, to explore the issue of societal racism, facilitated by the trio of concepts of prejudice, stereotyping and racial discrimination; third, to encourage the debate on police accountability by discouraging the discriminatory policing that permeates UK society.
Exploring Festac Town, Lagos residents’ observations on crime and the influx of unskilled migrants from Northern Nigeria and other illegal migrants from Sahel Region.
(2022-12-03) Akpan, Udoh James.; Bello, Paul Oluwatosin.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
In recent times, Lagos State, Nigeria, has been faced with a myriad of security challenges which is manifest in the increase of crime in Festac Town, a Lagos State middle-class suburb. These crimes are exacerbated by the influx of unskilled Nigerians from far northern part of Nigeria and illegal migrants from other African countries, particularly from the Sahel areas known as the G5 Sahel countries —Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad due to the many challenges faced by them which include chronic insecurity, lack of economic prospects, poor access to education, inadequate job opportunities and inadequate essential services such as water and electricity. Such incursions are believed to have significant security implications for Nigeria in general, and Festac Town in Lagos State in particular since most of these migrants more often unskilled and undocumented drift into the state, and then into Festac Town because of its economic opportunities. The activities of these unskilled and undocumented migrants have coloured how residents perceive them in the state. The objective of this study therefore was to explore the observations of residents of Festac Town, Lagos. Using a qualitative approach, a structured interview was done with participants in Festac Town. Mobilising the rational choice theory, the study explored and analysed the citizens‘ perceptions of illegal and unskilled migrants in the Festac area of Lagos State. The findings indicated, among others, that security concerns such as increase in crime, mostly violent crime, and political narratives like a ‖Fulani agenda‖ to take over Nigeria are significant observations that were found to shape citizens‘ views of undocumented and unskilled migrants from far northern Nigeria in their locality. The implications of the findings raise the need for an effective and unbiased policing approach; effective management of Fulani migrants from the North to the South of Nigeria, and other illegal migrants and their activities which will include handing illegal ones over to the Immigration Service; the rehabilitation of the skilled ones from Nigeria, and repatriation of the unskilled ones to their respective states of origin in collaboration with their home governments for resettlement and skill acquisition programmes.
Exploring the authenticity and adaptation of instructional materials in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms.
(Journal of African Languages and Literary Studies (JoALLS), 2024-04) Adeyiga, Abisoye Adedoyin.; Akpan, Udoh James.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Daramola, Iyanunioluwa Oluwatobi.
This paper explored the concepts of authenticity and adaptation of instructional materials in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. The authenticity of instructional materials is a major and often overlooked factor in foreign language teaching. However, the adaptation of instructional materials is the process of adapting existing materials to a particular language learning context. The aim of this paper was to examine the benefits and limitations of both approaches. From an analysis of various theoretical approaches, it was found that there is an advantage to using both approaches when teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Materials should be authentic to the language and culture of the language in question, while at the same time taking into account certain considerations such as the students’ language proficiency level and the specific context of the class. The adaptation of materials should not lead to over-simplification, and both approaches should be used to ensure that the materials are appropriate for the learning context. In conclusion, the paper argued that both authentic and adapted materials have their advantages and disadvantages, and that an optimal solution is to strike a balance between the two approaches. It is important for language teachers to be mindful of the need to use materials that are both authentic to the language and culture, while at the same time taking into account the specific needs of the class. This paper has provided a brief overview of how authenticity and adaptation of instructional materials in EFL classrooms can be effectively managed.
Exploring the public parameter of police integrity.
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2013) Meyer, Michael E.; Steyn, Jéan.; Gopal, Nirmala Devi.
This paper explores the contribution of the public component of Klockars’ and Kutnjak-Ivkovic’s (2004) organizational theory of police integrity to the understanding of police integrity. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a modified survey derived from “The Measurement of Police Integrity,” instrument developed by Klockars, et al. ( 2000). Participants are constituted by a convenience sample of first year social studies students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (n = 186) and 160 South African Police Service non-commissioned officers throughout Gauteng Province, Republic of South Africa. Findings: Overall, the data present a mixed picture of integrity in the SAPS. The current study is certainly suggestive that the SAPS faces serious challenges to establishing and sustaining integrity and that based on either absolutist or normative criteria the organization falls below desired levels of professional integrity. However, there are also indications that a significant proportion of officers will support efforts of the organization to establish and maintain professional standards of integrity. Practical Implications: The findings, focused on non-commissioned officers, contributes to a growing body of research across all levels of the South African Police Service. In addition, the research compares results from a non-police sample helping to contextualize the concept of integrity as it exists within the SAPS. More immediate implications relate to the potential for the development of a broad-based integrity plan for the South African Police Service as a whole. Originality/value: Previous research employing police only samples has concluded that the South African Police Service is an integrity challenged organization. While the present study agrees that the SAPS faces significant integrity challenges, the use of a comparative non-policing sample also suggests that the Service is having some success in establishing integrity standards, at least in regard to lower level violations of organizational ethical standards.
Exploring Vrede Community views on government communications on COVID-19.
(2022) Akpan, Udoh James.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Patrick, Hosea Olayiwola.
The unprecedented speed and scale of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have literally shut down countries and the global economy. Though a limited outbreak of the disease was noticed around December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020. While the impact of the disease is unique in different countries because of cultural norms, mitigation efforts and health infrastructure, the biggest challenge of various countries is communicating the behaviour of the disease and public health programmes articulated by various governments to inform and educate their citizens. Vrede in Free State Province, South Africa, has also seen these challenges, ranging from cultural challenges to infodemics, which is a major concern for WHO. Using a qualitative approach, the study adopted the Health Belief Model (HBM) theory to examine the views of the residents of Vrede community on government crises and risk communication strategies with a view to evolving effective communication strategies to achieve public safety. The study adopted the semi-structured interview data collection method and spoke with 12 participants of different sex and age, and analysed the data using the applied thematic analysis. The study concluded that, while infodemic was perceived as misleading information, there is a need for governmental information to become bottom-up in ensuring effective communication.
Exploring Vrede Community views on government communications on COVID-19.
(2022-06) Akpan, Udoh James.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.; Hosea, Olayiwola Patrick.
The unprecedented speed and scale of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have literally shut down countries and the global economy. Though a limited outbreak of the disease was noticed around December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, and a pandemic on 11 March 2020. While the impact of the disease is unique in different countries because of cultural norms, mitigation efforts and health infrastructure, the biggest challenge of various countries is communicating the behaviour of the disease and public health programmes articulated by various governments to inform and educate their citizens. Vrede in Free State Province, South Africa, has also seen these challenges, ranging from cultural challenges to infodemics, which is a major concern for WHO. Using a qualitative approach, the study adopted the Health Belief Model (HBM) theory to examine the views of the residents of Vrede community on government crises and risk communication strategies with a view to evolving effective communication strategies to achieve public safety. The study adopted the semi-structured interview data collection method and spoke with 12 participants of different sex and age, and analysed the data using the applied thematic analysis. The study concluded that, while infodemic was perceived as misleading information, there is a need for governmental information to become bottom-up in ensuring effective communication.
Gatekeeping: an obstacle to criminological research with Indian youth drug users in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal.
(CRIMSA, 2015-03-10) Gopal, Nirmala Devi.
Every research study has a story and this article tells the story of the researchers’ challenges in accessing participants for a study. Thus this article draws on the researchers’ experiences with gatekeeping dilemmas while attempting to research drug addiction among a select sample of youth in a historically Indian township in Kwa Zulu Natal. The article highlights the challenges in gaining access to an Indian sample of drug users. Some of the reasons depart from the premise that perhaps the most challenging factor is that most of the populations relevant to the study of drug addiction, such as under age youth, traffickers, suppliers and or drug lords, constitute so-called hidden populations. Heckathorn (1997), argues that “A hidden population is a group of individuals, whose membership in hidden populations often involves stigmatized or illegal behaviour, leading individuals to refuse to co-operate, or give unreliable answers to protect their privacy.” Consequently for this empirical study attempting to ‘research’ a ‘hidden population’ resulted in challenges not necessarily observed with other research topics. This research argues through a theoretical framework how gatekeeping challenges may impact ‘important’ research agendas. This research article further highlights principal gatekeeping challenges associated with research in the field of illicit drug use which is the focus of this research article. This is done through reflections on the researchers’ methodological journey namely gaining access to a relevant sample. The article concludes with suggestions for researchers attempting research with ‘hidden populations’ in future criminological research. This article explores some of the issues that researchers should consider when carrying out research with Gypsy-Travellers.
Gender-based violence: sociocultural barriers to men speaking up and seeking help in South Africa.
(2022-03) Akpan, Udoh James.; Majola, Khanyisile Berlinda.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Gender-based violence (GBV) includes, but is not limited to, physical, sexual, psychological, and other threats, coercion, economic harm, etc. Because of their gender placement in society, men are frequently associated with being the perpetrators.. Therefore, using the term “gender-based” reflects the unequal power relationships between the genders, which are entrenched in all societies. It portrays the male gender as being the aggressor and the more powerful, endowed, and opportune in society. This article examines and speculates on the notion that men are sometimes the victims of gender-based violence and women are the perpetrators. Mobilising a secondary data methodology through a systematic review approach, the article consulted electronic resources such as EBSCOHOST, JSTOR, and Google Scholar. The articles consulted ranged from 1996 to 2022, were searched from a global perspective, especially the West, and finally narrowed down to South Africa. JSTOR and Google Scholar produced 95% of the search results, though Google Scholar was most dominant. The key words and phrases used for the search were centred on foregrounding the problem of male GBV victims and their reluctance to speak up and seek help. The inclusion criteria focused on males who suffered violence at the hands of female perpetrators. Male to female violence was excluded. The study concluded that there is a need for society, especially the police organisation to recognise violence against men as a social problem that requires urgent help. It also suggests that counsellors be set up for men in remote places who are losing their self-confidence and esteem in relationships, family setting, and society. It also recommended that South African men need to be encouraged by the media and the Civil Society Organisation to speak up and seek help so that they can maintain their sociocultural prestige, and manage social cohesion in the family and society.
Historical overview of pandemic in Africa and the implication of its interception on education.
(2024-03) Akinmolayan, Emmanuel Seun.; Nwokedi, Peace Ginika.; Chetty, Magavani Kantha.; Akpan, Udoh James.
Education, an essential need of every society, has been undergoing constant transformation. Over the years, its modes of knowledge-sharing have undergone various evolutions and adaptations. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 arguably marked the latest stage in this evolutionary process, raising awareness of the digital era in African education. Considering the impact of the different disruptions to education and they have has transformed pedagogies and other socialisation processes, this paper explores the different stages of educational evolution and its impact on teaching and learning. It also employed the Cultural Historical Activity Theory (thereafter, CHAT) as the theoretical framework to appraise the evolution of education in Africa. In addition, the paper also adopted a desktop research method to examine the different phases of education in Africa, from the indigenous system(s) of education to the online learning system. The conclusion reached recommends that government and policymakers should be better prepared and trained in the event of any subsequent or emerging disruption(s) to education.
The impact of labelling theory on the Gypsies and Travelers in the United Kingdom.
(All Africa Criminal Justice Association, 2014-06-10) Yesufu, Shaka.
The persecution of Gypsies and Travelers in the United Kingdom is not a new phenomenon. It goes back many centuries when Gypsies first set foot on the European continent. It was estimated that over half a million Gypsies were exterminated by Adolf Hitler in Germany during the Holocaust. In today‟s France under President Francois Hollande, the Gypsies are still being persecuted. The effects of labeling theory has made the Gypsies undoubtedly and unarguably among the most hated groups living in Europe today. They have endured societal rejection, hatred, discrimination, cruelty and inhumane treatment, and denial of the basic necessities of life, for example housing, education and healthcare. Their ability to endure hardship (stoicism) and a total rejection (alienation) from the wider society over the years is inspiring to us in academia. This article is a clarion call to all men and women of good conscience all over the world to come together to consign the persecution of Gypsies to history.
Interrogating maritime security : a discourse from below.
(Serials Publications, 2015) Gopal, Nirmala Devi.
The expanding volume of sea trade between South Africa and other parts of the global world places pressure on increased maritime security particularly because maritime security affects both communities living close to the sea as well as bi- and multilateral relations on the larger international scale. While most research studies focus on threats of piracy and the economic impacts of maritime security on international trade this paper seeks to critically explore maritime challenges at a more local level namely the voices of actors directly with first hand experiences of maritime matters. Using in depth semi structured face to face interviews with six participants within a qualitative framework the study concluded that maritime challenges are indeed larger than the traditional security challenges. Challenges included seafarers’ working conditions, stowaways, human and drug trafficking and piracy. The study makes recommendations for future large scale research on maritime challenges.
Interrogating the normative tradition of Ukukhuzela (court praises) in the age of rape culture in a cosmopolitan society: insights from Zulu students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2023-09) Majola, Khanyisile Berlinda.; Akpan, Udoh James.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
Social and cultural norms are guidelines or expectations for behaviour and thought that are based on common beliefs within a social or cultural group. What is (and is not) appropriate in interpersonal relationships is governed by norms, which are frequently unstated rules for acceptable and undesirable behaviour. Within societal groups, these normative practices can then translate into a cultural normative construct that becomes exercised. The Zulu cultural normative practice of ukukhuzela is put in question here. The author interrogates its existence in today‟s cosmopolitan communities through in-depth interviews and focused group discussion with university students of Zulu extraction at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The participants included male and female students. Secondary sources of data in the form of published literature, including research monographs and journal articles, were consulted to meet the study's aims. Findings suggest that ukukhuzela has been discrepantly identified and associated with the social normative practice of rape culture antics due to insufficient knowledge of its practice. Narratives of ukukhuzela vary, as some identify it as a violation of their space, noting that it has notions of hyper-sexualising attention. With other participants seeing it for its true purpose, which is the admiration and endearment of women. The study noted that times have changed, modernity has challenged the dominance of tradition, and there is a need for concerted and deliberate efforts to create an atmosphere of social cohesion through mass and cultural education
Mobilising Nigerian Pidgin English as a second language for communication and instruction in primary schools in Ajegunle, Lagos.
(2023-08-03) Akpan, Udoh James.; Seun, Akinmolayan Emmanuel.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
The language question in former British colonies has been a topical issue in Africa. Independent African states still use English as one of the official languages long after the colonisers relinquished political power. The development of the Nigerian Pidgin English can be seen as a resistance to embrace the coloniser’s English. Nigeria being a colony of Britain and also inherited English language has evolved a second language called Pidgin English which has now pushed the official English language to becoming a third language while the indigenous language comes second in many cases. However, she has not been able to harness the potential of the Pidgin English. This paper therefore seeks to explore the mobilization of Pidgin English spoken by every ethnic group in Nigeria as a language of communication and also an instructional language for learners in primary school in Ajegunle, a multicultural, low income and populous township in central Lagos, the commercial hub of Nigeria. The paper will adopt a the sociocultural theory as a framework and desktop data collection approach by reviewing relevant literatures from Google Scholar, text books and media sources, review it with the effective communication model and educational learning theory and concluded that Pidgin English can be effective in the production of knowledge in Ajegunle community.
Mobilizing Ubuntu as the unifying language for the descendants of Bantu during xenophobic/Afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
(2022-04) Akpan, Udoh James.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
South Africa has witnessed a lot of xenophobic uprisings in recent years, and it comes with violent attacks mainly by the black African hosts on the black African migrants, who are mostly Bantu-speaking descendants, just like some of the black ethnic groups in South Africa. This has prompted some scholars to call it Afrophobia because they see it as a fratricidal brawl since the attacks are hardly extended to non-black Africans. This paper, therefore, explored the re-vitalisation of the traditional ways black Africans used to relate with one another in their communities, employing the philosophy of Ubuntu. Using a desktop study secondary data collection approach as its methodology, the study draws from existing literature, academic journals, reports, relevant media sources, books and electronic databases, and employs the narrative analysis to contextualise the phenomenon. The study concluded that the mobilisation and positioning of Ubuntu as the theme in the communication and languages used by the media, scholars, political and cultural leaders while addressing the causative factors responsible for these attacks will go a long way towards highlighting their historical affinity and create a conversation about it, and thus, the violence will abate. The study also showed that, many times, the causative factors are built on misconceptions and myths. The study recommended that, if these steps are taken, the descendants of Bantu will not only live peaceably but also enjoy the good of the land.
Mobilizing Ubuntu as the unifying language for the descendants of Bantu during xenophobic/afrophobic attacks in South Africa.
(2022) Akpan, Udoh James.; Mkhize, Sazelo Michael.
South Africa has witnessed a lot of xenophobic uprisings in recent years, and it comes with violent attacks mainly by the black African hosts on the black African migrants, who are mostly Bantu-speaking descendants, just like some of the black ethnic groups in South Africa. This has prompted some scholars to call it Afrophobia because they see it as a fratricidal brawl since the attacks are hardly extended to non-black Africans. This paper, therefore, explored the re-vitalisation of the traditional ways black Africans used to relate with one another in their communities, employing the philosophy of Ubuntu. Using a desktop study secondary data collection approach as its methodology, the study draws from existing literature, academic journals, reports, relevant media sources, books and electronic databases, and employs the narrative analysis to contextualise the phenomenon. The study concluded that the mobilisation and positioning of Ubuntu as the theme in the communication and languages used by the media, scholars, political and cultural leaders while addressing the causative factors responsible for these attacks will go a long way towards highlighting their historical affinity and create a conversation about it, and thus, the violence will abate. The study also showed that, many times, the causative factors are built on misconceptions and myths. The study recommended that, if these steps are taken, the descendants of Bantu will not only live peaceably but also enjoy the good of the land.
'n Vergelyking van polisiekultuurhoudings van mans en vrouens in die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens oor 'n tien jaar tydperk.
(Scientific Electronic Library Online, 2016-10) Steyn, Jéan.
A comparison of police culture attitudes of men and women in the South African Police Service over a ten year period Contemporary ethnographers (Cockcroft 2013; O’Neill, Marks & Singh 2007; Sklansky 2005) argue that new developments in policing have changed the police, and that traditional understanding of police culture, as a consequence, is no longer relevant. More specifically, these researchers imply that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has changed many of the traits of police culture with regards to cynicism of and isolation from the public. The research paper attempts to contribute to this narrative by determining whether indicators evincing attitudes of police culture themes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism amongst South African Police Service (SAPS) officials are gender neutral as well as showing a change over a ten (10) year period (January 2005 – June 2014). By making use of the 30-item police culture themes questionnaire, designed by Steyn (2005), the study established that South African Police Service (SAPS) cadets who commenced their basic training at the six (6) basic training institutes in South Africa (Pretoria, Chatsworth, Oudtshoorn, Graaff-Reinet, Phillippi and Bisho) in January 2005, entered the organisation with predispositions in furtherance of police culture themes of solidarity, isolation and cynicism. The period of “college/academy training” (January 2005 – June 2006) did not significantly counteract these tendencies, neither did the subsequent “field training” (July 2005 – December 2005). Nine (9) years on, and these attitudes intensified to an overall average of seventy percent (69.85%). The study further found that for the duration of the project (10 years), female trainees and their ensuing conversion to fully-fledged police officials had mostly stronger values exhibiting police culture solidarity, police culture isolation and police culture cynicism, compared to their male counterparts.
Police corruption: a threat to South Africa's democracy.
(All Africa Criminal Justice Association, 2014) Yesufu, Shaka.
In South Africa today, there is no single agreed definition of corruption. However, as researchers we do know that some definitions of corruption are available, enabling us to put police c orruption into context. It is disappointing enough to find out that po lice officers who have been entrusted by the laws of the Republic of South Africa to protect and serve us are the same people who are now being investigated for corruption. The image of the South African police has been severely damaged due to the reportin g of rampant and reckless corruption amo ngst its rank and file. The researcher argues that if nothing is done to address the level of police institutionalised corru ption our democracy may suffer as a consequence. First, this article is very important to a ll South African citizens as Policing affects their everyday life. With crime like rape, murder, house breaking, assault, drugs on the increase. South Africans are very much concerned about their safety and security. Second, it is designed to give a voi ce to citizens of South Africa ensuring that the responsibility of policing is left in hands of trustworthy and accountable officials. Third, to identify different types of corruption and to find some solutions to it. Fourth, the research is designed to provi de a basis for other researchers into police corruption to develop and buil d upon it . The researcher relies on extensive literature review, media reports, and police practical experiences and the researcher‟s role and involvement being a member of the Civ ilian Oversight Committee dealing with issues around police accountability in South Africa.

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