- John Motsamai Modise
- South African Police Service
This study investigates the enduring impact of apartheid-era policies of segregation, discrimination, and socio-economic exclusion on contemporary crime patterns in South Africa. Despite the official end of apartheid in 1994, structural inequalities rooted in this historical period continue to fuel high crime rates, particularly in historically marginalised communities. The problem lies in the persistent socio-economic disparities and spatial segregation that undermine social cohesion and foster environments conducive to criminal activity. Drawing on recent empirical research and theoretical frameworks of structural violence and social disorganisation, this study identifies how the legacy of apartheid interacts with current institutional challenges, including diminished trust in policing and fragmented governance. Key findings reveal that apartheid’s spatial and economic legacies remain central drivers of crime and that multi-sectoral, integrated policy responses are essential for sustainable crime reduction. The study contributes to the literature by providing an updated, holistic understanding of the co-impacts of historical injustices and contemporary socio-political dynamics on crime. It concludes that addressing crime in South Africa requires coordinated socio-economic development, community empowerment, and police reform rooted in historical awareness and social justice.