An Exploration of Technological Models in Combating Stock Theft in South Africa

Authors

  • W. Maluleke University of KwaZulu-Natal

Keywords:

Combating, Deoxyribonucleic Acid technology, Model, Stock theft, South Africa

Abstract

A high prevalence of stock theft is observed in selected South African communities. In the year 1996; a new high-tech technology (Deoxyribonucleic Acid - DNA) was introduced in South Africa through the partnership between South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Animal Genetics Laboratory (AGL) of Animal Research Council (ARC) – Animal Production Institute (API) to combat stock theft, this system was envisaged to be a powerful tool in assisting the livestock farmers in most hit areas. This introduction relies on providing accurate evidence against potential stock thieves. However, the practicality associated with the use of this system remains elusive to the potential livestock farmers.

The aim of this paper was to explore six (06) technological models in combating stock theft in the selected areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province (Bulwer, Ladysmith and Utrecht), South Africa. For data collection; documentary study, Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with the selected participants. The findings to this paper suggest that stock theft remains a significant problem in selected areas of KZN with evident extreme failure of implanting technologies in combating this scourge. For recommendations; this paper provides that the integration of the available technological models in a form of conceptual model and provide emphasise that this framework can play an essential role in combating stock theft in the selected areas of KZN.

Author Biography

W. Maluleke, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Dr. Witness Maluleke, Witness is a lecturer for Criminalistics: Crime Scene Investigation (CRIM204) and a supervisor for Masters students. His writtings are confined to agricultural crimes, community policing, Criminal Justice System and organised crime.

References

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Published

2017-10-26

How to Cite

Maluleke, W. (2017). An Exploration of Technological Models in Combating Stock Theft in South Africa. Asian Journal of Applied Sciences, 5(5). Retrieved from https://www.ajouronline.com/index.php/AJAS/article/view/4470

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 5 (2017): October 2017

Section

Articles

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