Criminology and Forensic Studies Present Research at CRIMSA Conference

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Staff and students from the Discipline of Criminology and Forensic Studies within the School of Applied Human Sciences (SAHS) recently presented research papers at the Criminological and Victimological Society of Southern Africa (CRIMSA) International Biennial Conference in Gauteng.

The conference’s main theme was: Regulating crime and Victimisation in an Age of Mobility, Mass Movement, Migration and Governance at a distance.

Mr Siyanda Dlamini presented a joint paper (Maluleke, W; Mkhize, SM Dlamini, S and Maweni, V) on Betrayal of a Post-Colonial Ideal: The Effect of Corruption on the Construction of Low-cost Houses in South Africa.

The purpose of their paper is to ensure the appropriate management, capacity and technical support for the allocation of low-cost houses. They discussed the implementation of support programmes that prevent corruption in the human settlements sector as agreed with sector partners (provinces and municipalities) in line with the national sector-wide Anti-Corruption Strategy.

Ms Vuyelwa Maweni then presented a joint paper (Maluleke, W; Rakololo, M.W; Dlamini, S; Maweni, V.K and Mkhize, S.M) on the: Causes of Identity Document Theft in South Africa. The research explored the causes of Identity Document (ID) theft in South Africa, particularly in Polokwane Central Business District (CBD), Bendor Park and Flora Park.

‘Conceptual understanding of this crime (ID theft) can play a pivotal role in addressing the manifestation of this crime to a large extent as the nature and extent can be established. The use of technological means also contributes to ID theft, this is linked to individuals’ (victims’) ignorance,’ said Maweni.

Mr Ephraim Sibanyoni also presented a paper titled: Children as Victims of Sexual Molestation. The focus of his study was on the parents’ perspectives and experiences of having a child that is a victim of sexual molestation in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.

The objectives of the study was to explore whether parents of children reported sexual molestation to the police in Mthatha. While determining the factors predisposing children to be more vulnerable to sexual molestation; the predominant perpetrators that molest these children and the impact of sexual molestation of these children and parents in Mthatha was explored.

Masters student Mr Nkosingiphile Mbhele together with his supervisor Professor Shanta Balgobind Singh presented a paper on the Victimisation in Nightclubs and bouncer’s reaction towards Patrons.

They noted that the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), which was established in terms of section 2 of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act in 2002, is responsible for regulating and monitoring the private security sector.

‘Nightclubs in South Africa have relied heavily on private securities to protect their property and ensure the safety of patrons during busy nights. While alcohol and violence has been proven to have a link, it is important to understand the relationship of bouncers and patrons as well as the role and competence of bouncers in this relationship as they are the key players in maintaining safety and security,’ said Mbhele.

The study further investigates the extent of violence and aggression from the perspectives of both bouncers and patrons in their relationship respectively.

Words by: Melissa Mungroo