Investigation into the reasons that influence the escalation of juvenile crime in Umhlathuze Municipality
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Date
2014
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Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
Juvenile Delinquency is not an inherent condition, but it is learned through association, imitation, pressure, needs, wants, influence and desires. There is a growing tendency in South Africa of juvenile involvement in crime. Somehow, it is believed that the juveniles are motivated by the Bill of Rights, Section 28 of the South African Constitution, which prohibits co operative punishment. In the year 2008 statistics of Empangeni Magistrates court, 15 % of juveniles appeared in court for different offences. In the year 2009 juvenile cases showed a 21 % increase and in 2011 they increased by 32 %. It is believed that if nothing is done, the economy of the country will never improve. In this study 25 Juvenile offenders were interviewed. 2 case studies of juvenile offenders who had been arrested and charged were done and 3 parents of juvenile offenders who had been arrested then successfully put on non custodial rehabilitation were interviewed. The results proved that causes are systemic. This explains that the whole community is part of the causes. Therefore, the involvement of the community is essential in the prevention of juvenile crimes. The revolutionary awareness campaigns around Umhlathuze are essential. The offender rehabilitation organizations should be given slots at schools, community meetings and conferences. Juveniles with antisocial behavior should be treated for the prevention of crime as a career. The Department of Social Development should be given staff to enable to plan, implement and evaluate policies and programs. The recreational constructive facilities should be offered in an environment that is safe. Adequate support should be given to parents as well. The South African Police need community support in this area.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master in Community Work in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2014
Keywords
juvenile delinquency --crime --Umhlathuze Municipality