UKZN and Finnish Researchers Working Together in Murder Study

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UKZN researchers have joined forces with Finnish counterparts in a pilot project for a comparative study of murder in their countries.

The UKZN team comprises Professor Shanta Balgobind Singh, Dr Gerelene Jagganath, Professor Sultan Khan, Dr Rob Chetty and Dr Patrick B Murhula, while the team from Finland boasts Professor Janne Kivivuori, Dr Karoliina Suonpää and Ms Anna Raeste.

The research will compare Finnish and South African homicide (murder) cases in a standardised manner within a specific area, using the European Homicide Monitor (EHM) developed by Kivivuori. The EHM-short manual is a coding instrument which separates compiled information into smaller units to explain underlying trends and patterns on homicide.

The EHM approach enables the use of different data sources, typically including the files and records of the criminal justice system and its investigative process. As the instrument has already been used in Finland and elsewhere in Europe, the key area of the current research is to explore the applicability of the EHM approach within the South African context and conditions.

Examples include the gender distribution of offenders and victims, time cycles of homicide, killing scenes, socioeconomic backgrounds of involved parties, and motives.

Comparative homicide research ultimately aims to create knowledge that can be used in the prevention of lethal violence.

‘If the pilot supports the feasibility of the EHM approach in South Africa, the instrument could be used more broadly nationally,’ said Balgobind Singh. ‘The instrument allows for a detailed comparison of places within countries as well as pattern changes. If extensively applied, it could allow internal and international comparison, to provide data on how successful violence prevention policies are.’

This research will also strengthen collaboration with the South African Police Services.

Words: Melissa Mungroo

Image: Supplied