Abstract
This chapter examines the convergence between xenophobic violence, crime and SALWs proliferation in South Africa and its ramifications on state security and stability. Empirical information and evidence-based research show that xenophobic pronouncements and violence have contributed to existing insecurity, already adding to the high levels of crime that pervade South African society. Violence targeting foreigners in addition to crime, pose substantial impediments to the achievement of human security while adding to the heightened threat levels contributed by the presence and spread of SALWs in the country. This chapter explores these relationships by examining the sources, role-players and nature of xenophobia, crime and SALWs proliferation while analysing their implications on community, political and security responses. This chapter draws from international organisations including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); critical legal documents including the South African Firearms Control Act (FCA); annual crime statistics from the South African Police Service; data from the monitoring tool Xenowatch, news agency reports and non-governmental organisations like Gun Free South Africa (GFSA) in order to provide an in-depth inquiry to the subject. This chapter concludes that xenophobic violence, crime and SALWs are central to discourses on crime prevention and violence reduction in South Africa and successful solutions require robust and holistic responses from citizens, community organisations, private sector, security apparatus, civil society and the government to ensure success. In addition, the underlying factors driving crime such as poverty, unemployment, inequality and economic deprivation need to be addressed by the government of South Africa and other stakeholders. This study is significant in contributing to the ongoing discourse on South Africa’s new and emerging security threats and how to achieve social cohesion in the midst of this. Its relationship and reputation within and beyond the African continent are at stake.
Published Version
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