Criminal Justice Monitor

The Monitor measures changing crime levels and evaluates the criminal justice system’s performance. The Monitor tracks selected indicators every six months.

Corruption and confidence:
Public perceptions of corruption

The extent of corruption in a wide variety of public sector institutions has had harmful effects on public perceptions towards state institutions. A recent HSRC survey reveals the government has a lot to do in altering these perceptions.

Correction challenges:
A new manager for South Africa’s prisons

Recently appointed Lulamile Mbete, National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, faces many challenges. His performance is likely to be judged by the way he deals with overcrowded prisons, HIV/AIDS in prisons, and budgetary constraints.

Most at risk:
Murder of SAPS officials

The high murder rate of South African Police Service officials shows a high level of contempt for the law and human life in South African society. Of serious concern is the high number of police killed off duty.

Using crime to fight crime?
Tracking vigilante activity

Vigilantism is a symptom of the state’s inability to swiftly respond to crime. The case of Mapogo-a-Mathamaga reveals the length some have gone to in search of swift justice.

Violence against women survey:
Summary of main findings

A recently completed national survey of 1000 women describes women’s experiences of physical, emotional, economic and sexual abuse, and abused women’s perceptions of services rendered by the state to female victims of violence.