Citation

Machethe P, Obioha E. Acta Criminol. 2018; 31(2): 66-78.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Criminological Society of South Africa)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and concerned citizens of Ga-Rankuwa (a township north of Pretoria) have shown commitment by implementing drug prevention and deterring initiatives in the community. Regrettably these initiatives have not yielded any real drug abuse reduction in the neighbourhoods. This article seeks to demonstrate the challenges and circumstances that exist on the path towards achieving the mandate of the police and the wishes of the community-based organisations directed at drug abuse prevention and combating. The study made use of a sample of 96 participants of 18 years and older, who participated in a survey. A purposive sample of ten staff members from the community-based organisations and six police officials participated in oral interviews. Besides the primary data, secondary data sources were also consulted to back-up the claims that emerged from this study. While the study documented some of the challenges facing the police, including corruption and community aloofness, it further revealed the lack of capacity of community organisations to make meaningful contributions in this case. However, the lack of partnership and trust between the police and the community stakeholders is cause for concern and may hinder prevention and combating efforts. The study, therefore, creates a debate for further engagement in this partnership gap, which needs to be investigated.

Language: en