Vuyelwa Maweni’s research while affiliated with University of KwaZulu-Natal and other places

Corrective rape can be defined as a hate crime that entails the rape of any member of a group that does not conform to gender or sexual orientation norms, where the motive of the perpetrator is to “correct” the individual, fundamentally combining gender-based violence and homophobic violence. In South Africa, this type of discriminatory act is more common in rural townships, where women have less independence, education and support systems in place. It is estimated that at least 500 lesbians yearly are victims of corrective rape in South Africa; however, these statistics stand to be inaccurate as societal homophobia keeps many from reporting the crime. This study was completed to ascertain the role of communal motives in corrective rape in African communities, studying the community of Pietermaritzburg which is a city situated in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN). A qualitative study was adopted which aimed to analyse and establish the communal motives of African communities in normalizing the practice of corrective rape as a cure to convert homosexuals into heterosexuals. The study took place in the gay–lesbian network centre in Pietermaritzburg where data were gathered from the LGBTIAQ community. The objectives of the study were to assess the nature of the crime, to assess the influence of culture on the normalization of corrective rape as a cure for same-sex sexual attractions, to determine the effects of corrective rape on the LGBTI community, to establish the causes of corrective rape in the community and to determine if the rural community is enlightened about the rights of the LGBTIAQ community. The study also makes use of theoretical framework, including the victim precipitation theory, lifestyle exposure theory and social learning theory to explain and argue the research problem.

Human trafficking is not a recent phenomenon. Acts of human abduction for illicit intentions are believed to have been occurring since time immemorial. In South Africa, human trafficking remains a huge threat to peace and security and violates the human rights of all affected individuals. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are two of the systems that should not stint their efforts in addressing this crime. In light of the aforementioned, this study explored i) the frequency of human trafficking occurrences in a month, ii) the effectiveness of the legislature in addressing human trafficking, iii) challenges faced by SAPS in addressing human trafficking, and iv) lastly, the strategies for curbing human trafficking in the city of Durban. The study adopted a qualitative research design with semi-structured one-on-one interviews used for data collection. Purposive sampling was used to select the nine (9) participants drawn from the SAPS and NGOs. The collected data were analysed using the inductive thematic analysis. It is envisaged that this study will be significant in assisting relevant structures such as the SAPS and NGOs in devising new and effective strategies to respond to human trafficking in Durban.

Cybercrimes are a borderless threat that developing and developed nations are affected by. The general use of technology and the increasing rates of internet connectivity worldwide, attached to the continuous development of new technologies, make the world vulnerable to various types of internet cybercrimes. This chapter focuses on the various modus operandi perpetrators use to recruit sex trafficking victims using cyberspace. Three African countries (Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Africa) have positioned themselves on the Tier 2 watch list. The research revealed that four contributing factors increase the spread of sex trafficking via cyberspace. These factors are, namely, easy internet access, traffickers, consumers, and the socioeconomic factors of the victims. Traffickers utilise more recruitment methods to lure potential victims into cybersex trafficking, such as promising them more lucrative opportunities abroad using cyberspace. Since internet accessibility grows yearly, more people fall for the tricks of traffickers in cyberspace. International and local measurements endeavours to respond positively to the issue of cybersex trafficking, including the UN measures. Nevertheless, more action and integration with cybercrime are still needed. The limited threat and International and local measurements that nations that are not sufficiently geared with effective legislation, law enforcement, and law implementation to combat cybercrime aggravate the problem.