METROPOLITAN POLICE ROLE IN THE CONTROL OF XENOPHOBIA RELATED CRIMES IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE CASE OF CITY OF TSHWANE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of Tshwane Metropolitan Police in prevention and control of xenophobic related crimes in Tshwane. Based on simple random sampling approach, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the sample of fifty respondents who have once been affected by xenophobia in South Africa. Data from the study was analyzed by the use of SPSS tools. Overall Keiser-Meyer-Olkin (KM0 = 0.684) and Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients of 0.075 and ≥0.06 obtained confirms measure of sampling adequacy (MSA) and validity and reliability of the instrument. Results derived from analysis of all the components of the instrument were presented and reported simply by use of tables. Results from the study indicate that the majority of respondents’ perceived attachment to culture (nationalism) as part of the historic roots xenophobic violence in South Africa and methods and techniques used to combat xenophobia were indeed not effective. Major challenges identified in dealing with xenophobia include, availability of human and material resources but lack of clear legislation was the highest impediment. While availability of enough material resources and whether the Police follow the correct procedure had the highest and least influence respectively.

Keywords

• Xenophobic violence, Metropolitan Police, Tshwane, South Africa