Background: Rural communities in South Africa face
persistent insecurity, inadequate policing resources, and weak service
delivery, undermining social stability and development. Despite the NRSS’s
promise, its implementation has been inconsistent and under-researched.
Purpose: This study evaluates the National Rural Safety
Strategy (NRSS) as a framework for enhancing policing and safety in South
Africa’s rural areas. It aims to assess how the strategy addresses rural crime
and security challenges through integrated, community-focused approaches.
Methodological Approach: The study adopts a systematic,
qualitative research design, combining document analysis of NRSS policy
frameworks, reviews of academic and operational literature, and thematic
analysis of rural policing practices. This approach integrates theoretical
perspectives with practical insights to identify gaps and opportunities in
rural safety interventions.
Key Findings: The NRSS’s pillars—capacity building,
infrastructure development, governance reform, community involvement, and
intelligence-led policing—offer significant potential for improving rural
safety. However, challenges such as limited resources, poor inter-agency
coordination, and insufficient monitoring mechanisms hinder effectiveness. The
use of Organised Crime Threat Assessments (OCTA) is highlighted as essential
for combating complex rural crime syndicates.
Conclusion: Sustainable rural safety requires ongoing
collaboration among the South African Police Service (SAPS), traditional
authorities, and local stakeholders, supported by robust monitoring and
adaptive strategies. Strengthening the NRSS’s implementation can protect
vulnerable populations, enhance trust in law enforcement, and promote
socio-economic development in rural South Africa.
Author(s) Details
Dr. John Motsamai
Modise
Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-88417-88-4/CH2
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