Repurposing the South African criminal justice system to strengthen peace, justice and security

Abstract

The South African criminal justice system has been infiltrated by criminal networks and cartels who have captured senior police leadership to enable and collude in acts of criminality, corruption and tender manipulation. The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture in 2022 revealed in its findings how numerous South African public institutions and leaders were “captured” by private individuals to engage in acts of corruption and malfeasance through the assistance of politicians and government leaders. The article examines how the South African criminal justice system can be repurposed to align with sustainable development goals sixteen indicators which are peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, inclusive institutions at all levels, peace, good governance, rule of law, and human rights. Repurposing of the South African criminal justice system is critical for maintenance of peace, justice and security in the country which is contrary to the current situation whereby its institutions are being infiltrated by drugs and criminal networks and cartels. A desktop documentary analysis of South African legislative framework and policies, institutions’ strategic and annual plans, scholarly articles and newspaper reports were employed in the qualitative design study to generate themes that analyze how the South African criminal justice system can be repurposed and strengthen good governance and sustainability mechanisms. The findings revealed a nexus between socio-economic deprivation and high crime activities and practices in marginalized communities in South Africa thereby undermining sustainable development efforts and endeavors within such communities.