The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was formed in 1994 after the integration of different “defence forces” into one large force. The sole existence of the SANDF is to protect the borders of the Republic of South Africa and its inhabitants. Resources such as vehicles make it easier for the SANDF to conduct mobile patrols and other operations to ensure that the organisation is always combat-ready. Motor vehicle theft is a crime that affects both individual citizens and organisations in South Africa; the SANDF is not immune to the crime. Many SANDF motor vehicles are stolen almost every day, and in most cases, these vehicles are taken without a trace. While there are security measures in place aimed at preventing theft of SANDF vehicles but these methods have proven futile. A literature review formed the basis of the study. Once the main theory and ideologies were identified, unstructured interviews were undertaken to gather information from various stakeholders. Observations were also conducted to determine behavioural patterns within military bases/units with regard to the parking of SANDF vehicles, even when the vehicles were parked in urban settings. Essentially, there is a problem regarding the security of SANDF vehicles and also the security within military bases / units. This study indicated that the SANDF loses vast amounts of money due to motor vehicle theft in Gauteng Province. The findings also revealed that the current vehicle security measures are outdated, ineffective and inadequate in preventing SANDF vehicles from being stolen. The recommendations are that the SANDF must invest more of its budget on vehicle security, rather than continuing with fruitless and monetary expenditure by conducting Board of Inquiries (BOI) or lengthy investigations in an attempt to relocate stolen vehicles or to determine how a particular vehicle was stolen. The SANDF requires a comprehensive system that should prevent the theft of its vehicles, as well as curbing the misuse of vehicles which ultimately renders SANDF vehicles as easy targets. / Police Practice / M. Tech. (Policing)

This study was conducted in order to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon of drug trafficking with specific reference as to how South African drug mules are used in crossborder drug smuggling. Through media analysis, semi-structured interviews with drug trafficking experts and a literature study the researcher was able to make findings and recommendations as per the objectives of the study. The objectives of the study included examining how drug mules smuggle drugs across South African borders; what role drug mules play in drug trafficking syndicates and the motivations and reasons why South Africans are increasingly being recruited as drug mules. The researcher also attempted to determine the nature and extent of the drug demand supply in and to South Africa. By making the deduction that drug demand and drug supply are interrelated the researcher was ultimately able to conclude that drug mules will continue to engage in drug smuggling as long as there is a demand for drugs and readily available drug supply routes to and from a county. From the media reports analysed cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin were the drugs most smuggled by South African drug mules. It is also clear from the media reports that cocaine and methamphetamine are smuggled in the largest quantities by South African drug mules. The quantities of heroin found in the possession of South African drug mules were insignificantly small. This contradicts treatment centre data analysed that indicated heroin and methamphetamine users were almost double in numbers in comparison to cocaine users being treated at centres. Most South African drug mules are used to smuggle drugs to the cocaine markets in Europe and South Africa; the cannabis/marijuana (herb) market in Europe; the cannabis (resin) hashish market in Canada and the United States of America; the crystal methamphetamine market in the Far East (largely Japan and Korea) and the heroin market in South Africa. Using criminology theories as a basis, the researcher attempted to describe why people are vulnerable to being recruited as drug mules. Findings concluded that structural factors such as poverty and unemployment and substance abuse-related problems, particularly in marginalised and disadvantaged communities, all contribute to South Africans becoming drug mules. Recommendations by the researcher focused on identifying specific vulnerabilities associated with drug mule recruiting and its consideration in legislation relating to drug trafficking in South Africa. The recommendations focus on the specific prosecution of drug abusers, drug mules, drug distributors and drug mule recruiters. Lastly it is projected by the researcher that the drug demand in South Africa will continue to increase if the drug supply routes and drug smuggling operations by syndicates are not addressed more firmly / Criminology and Security Science / M. A. (Criminology)

The focus of this thesis is on Advance Fee Fraud (419 scams) on how it is executed and more importantly, on how it can be prevented. The research addresses the origins of AFF, the nature and extent of this crime and how the perpetrators are able to defraud their victims. The research described, examined and analysed the crimes, the perpetrators, the victims, adjudication and the prevention strategies of this fraud. Information was gathered through literature and empirical research. A qualitative research method was used to gather information from AFF offenders who were incarcerated in South African prisons in 2005. The results of the empirical research were carefully examined, analyzed and integrated into the various chapters of this thesis. A theoretical framework was also developed in an attempt to explain this complex phenomenon. The findings and recommendations in terms of the crimes, the criminals, the victims, adjudication and prevention were also made and some suggestions for further research thereof were also cited. / Criminology and Security Science / D. Litt. et Phil. (Criminology)

Rape is a serious crime and is a huge problem in Ethiopia. It has a devastating effect on the victim and society as a whole. The Ethiopian news is peppered with reports of this crime. Anorganized and sophisticated way in which the perpetrators of rape can be identified is by the use of modus operandi information. The aim of this research is to evaluate how modus operandi can be used as a perpetrator identification technique in the investigation of rape cases in the Gulele policing area. For any investigation to be successful, the investigator must have the objectives of crime investigation in mind. In the investigation of crime, the collection of evidence is important and there are two basic important principles, namely Locard’s principle and the chain of custody that investigator must comply with. These will ensure that evidence is admissible during a trial. Evidence is found on a crime scene. In rape cases, the body of the perpetrator and the victim can be seen as the crime scene. For evidence to be applicable to the investigation, it must first be identified and then individualised. It is important for investigators to be familiar with the concept of modus operandi, and the influencing factors. The purpose of this research is to provide practical recommendations on the best practices for the use of modus operandi. / Police Practice / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

The study provided a general orientation of crimes against children in South Africa to buttress the rationale of the research. A concise definition of crime, child, child abuse, sexual child abuse, physical child abuse, victims and perpetrators of sexual crimes against children. The research described the various forms of crimes against children in Guateng, the causes and explanations. An interpretation of the empirical study was provided in this research. It focussed on the perpetrators and victims of child sex crimes. The types of offenders, the motives and theoretical explanations of their behaviour. The modus operandi of the perpetrators found in the empirical study. The various characteristics of victims and perpetrators, the legal processes in the adjudication of child sexual offenders. The research examined some of the prevention strategies of child sexual crimes. Findings of the empirical research are provided. / Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminology)

This research is a exploratory and descriptive study based on juvenile's perceptions with regard to shop theft. Secondary data sources were consulted to supplement the empirical data collected by means of a comprehensive questionnaire. Five hundred learners from grades 10, 11 and 12 in Mabopane were selected for the completion of the questionnaires. Shop theft was further elucidated by the application of criminological theories to explain research findings by highlighting their relationship with shop theft. Main research findings established that there are significant statistical differences with regard to the learner gender, age and grade as far as their views on shop theft were concerned. Recommendations based on the findings include teaching Criminology at secondary schools, the development of an anti shop theft youth oriented crime prevention program, shop theft educational and awareness programmes, and shoplifter offender prevention programs. / Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminology)

While establishing modus operandi information is an investigative technique that is used globally in the investigation of fraud, investigators of child support grant fraud in South Africa do not properly use this technique in their investigation. The study sought to examine the modus operandi used by civil servants in unduly accessing child support grand fraud. The study adopted a qualitative approach, with structured interviews and literature as data-collection methods. Two sample groups were used to gather data. The data was analysed using spiral method. The study found that modus operandi as a valuable investigation tool was not properly used and in other instances was never used in the investigations. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that modus operandi captured on the police and corporate database systems be used as reference for comparing modus operandi of known grants fraudsters. Training and skills be provided to public and corporate investigators on the use of modus operandi information in the investigation of social grants. To ensure that good practice is developed, a modus operandi guideline document should be crafted by the South African Police Services' detective division at National level and corporate investigators respectively, with a view to improve conviction rate. / Criminology and Security Science / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

This study sought to examine the value of modus operandi (MO) information in the investigation of short-term insurance fraud. A comprehensive literature study was conducted concerning the dynamics of MO information in forensic investigation and short-term insurance fraud in South Africa and internationally, and individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with forensic investigators at Santam and MiWay to promote knowledge and understanding of the importance of MO information in short-term insurance fraud investigations. Results of this research indicate that participants did grasp the significance of MO information in the investigation of short-term insurance fraud. It is, however, apparent that they did not optimally exploit MO information regarding insurance fraud as a result of limited experience, ineffective databases and the inaccessibility of available data – all of which prevent the improvement of utilising MO data pertaining to short-term insurance fraud. Forensic investigators in the short-term insurance industry isolate themselves from each other and fail to share the available MO information amongst each other, resulting in a non-systematic fragmented approach to short-term insurance fraud investigation. The study identifies the challenges and shortcomings experienced by forensic investigators at Santam and MiWay that prevent the optimal utilisation of MO information in the investigation of short-term insurance fraud. The study then suggests a set of recommendations that could assist forensic investigators and other role-players in enhancing the utilisation of such information. / Criminology and Security Science / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

An investigation of the bombing of automated teller machines (ATMs) with intent to steal cash contentof ATMs. This is inclusive of the impact on society (banks clients) and banking institutions as well as the danger it poses to the general public and public and private law enforcement personnel. / (M.Tech. (Security Management))

Text in English / The purpose of this study was to establish the vulnerabilities of the security control measures that are being used at Impala Platinum mines and refinery to prevent the theft of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). It is important to ensure that the security control measures in place are effective and efficient in preventing the occurrence of such theft. The research examined the security risk management approach to the prevention of theft of PGMs and the causes of theft of PGMs by organised crime syndicates operating in South Africa and abroad. The study found that Impala Platinum employees, in collusion with contractors and members of mine security services, are involved in the theft of PGMs. To achieve the goals and objective of the research study, effective security control measures were identified that will help Impala Platinum mines and refinery to overcome the risks and challenges related to the theft of PGMs. / Security Risk Management / M. Tech. (Security Management)