A Multi-Disciplinary Approach in Combating Criminality and Social Ills. A Case Study Based on a South African Perspective

This research study highlights the negative impact caused by criminality and other social ills that are taking place in our communities, and the role that civil society and active citizenry could play to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. A special attention is based on a case study that focuses on a South African context, in particular the social ills relating to illegal mining, counterfeit goods, and the abuse of intoxicating substance.  Background Overview: There is a global challenge of criminality and social ills, which is common in all countries. There is no country in the wold that is immune from criminality and social ills. The difference is the prevalence and the efficiency in which countries deal with criminality and other social ills. Depending on the crime and the country in which a crime is committed, some countries impose death penalty as the severe punishment to crime, while other countries such as South Africa only impose life sentence as the maximum sentence to the crime. South Africa has abolished death sentence as punishment to criminality – a decision that has received mixed reactions in recent years because of the prevalence of atrocious criminalities and lawlessness that are taking place in the county.  Problem Statement: South Africa has a challenge of criminality and endless social ills that are eroding the future and success of the country. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies alone cannot deal with all the social ills without the assistance of the communities. There is a narrative in South Africa that the police and other law enforcement agencies are the sole entities that are responsible to address the criminality and other social ills. This narrative, together with ignorance, perpetuate the occurrence of criminality and other social ills in the communities. Furthermore, there is a belief that the law enforcement will not be able to detect and arrest the perpetrators.  Method Overview: This scientific research gathers data through qualitative methods, where information is obtained by means of literature review, interviews, media broadcast, verified social media, and internet search among others. With the limited published literature on the subject matter, the identified sources of information came in handy to effectively and adequately explore the topic under research.  Key Findings: This research study finds that South Africa has porous borders, which serve as the fertile ground for criminality and prevalent social ills. The law enforcement agencies are struggling to control lawlessness in the country that is perpetuated by high unemployment and illegal immigration, amongst other aspects. A multi-disciplinary approach in dealing with this scourge is essential to maintain the territorial integrity and the national sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa.  Main Impact: This research accentuate the role of civil society and active citizenry in addressing the prevalent social ills that are ravaging the communities unabated, and further provides key research findings, and the potential practical recommendations for the identified problem. The research provides the executive authorities with a clear picture of the situation on the ground, and further provides the basis for further engagements, reflection and policy direction that is directed towards addressing social ills in South Africa. Additionally, this scientific research study makes significant contribution to the body of knowledge of scientific research in Criminal justice, and law enforcement. Call to Action: This research provides the basis for the authorities to align policy directives to resolving the prevalent social ills in the societies. The civil society and active citizenry is called upon to actively participate in societal programmes that are aimed at social justice. The academics and other audiences will be encouraged by the content of this research article to take decisive actions through further research projects and appropriate actions to reduce the prevalence of social ills in the communities.  Relevance: The relevance of this research study cannot be over-emphasised. This scientific research study deals with the current phenomenon that is plaguing South Africa, and its relevance is that it outlines and highlight current and developing challenges, while providing possible solutions. The root causes to the challenges identified are highlighted in this research, providing the authorities and other interested parties to have the basis for proper planning and implementation of the solutions to the challenges. This research may not have all the solutions to the identified challenges, but will provide the basis for further engagement on the subject matter with a view to augment on the content and the findings of this research in addressing social ills.  Originality: The content of this scientific research article is the original work of the author, which is derived from the development of challenges in the communities. There is no known research on the subject matter, thus making this research output the original contribution to the body of scientific knowledge by the author.  Target Audience: This research study is targeted at the policy makers, law practitioners, law enforcement authorities, academics, communities and societies, executive authority, and the international communities. To the extent, this study targetsto reach the audience of the entire Criminal Justice System role players and the society within the country and the global communities.