BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
CHALLENGES FACED BY POLICE OFFICERS IN POLICING STOCK THEFT [A CASE STUDY OF ZIMBABWE REPUBLIC POLICE MUTAWATAWA, MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE] PERIOD 2012-2014
BY B1233555 LLOYD LAPFICE MAKANDA
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [HONOURS] DEGREE IN POLICE AND SECURITY STUDIES OF BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION
FACULTY OF COMMERCE
JUNE 2015
i RELEASE FORM
Registration Number: B1233555
Dissertation Title: Challenges faced by Police officers in policing Stock Theft. A case study of Zimbabwe Republic Police Mutawatawa, Mashonaland East Province. (Period 2012-2014).
Year granted: 2015
Permission is granted to the Bindura University of Science Education Library and the department of the Security and Intelligence to produce copies of this Dissertation in an effort it deems necessary for academic use only.
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Signature of student
Permanent address Z.R.P. Mutawatawa Police Camp, Mutawatawa.
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Date
ii APPROVAL FORM
The undersigned certify that they have read and recommended to the Bindura University of Science Education for acceptance of a dissertation entitled “CHALLENGES FACED BY POLICE OFFICERS IN POLICING STOCK THEFT. A CASE STUDY OF ZIMBABWE REPUBLIC POLICE MUTAWATAWA, MASHONALAND EAST PROVINCE” submitted by B1233555 in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Degree in Police and Security Studies.
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Student’s name Signature Date
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Name of Supervisor Signature Date
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Name of Chairman Signature Date
iii DEDICATION
This report project is dedicated to all members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police who are working tirelessly using available resources exposed to them to reduce crimes and to have peace, stability and progress. May they be empowered and given the strength to fight crime an all corners of the country and abroad. I particularly dedicate this project to my wife Pauline, daughter Kelly and son Denzel, because without their presence, support and comprehension I would have not achieved my goal. I love you.
iv DECLARATION
I declare that this research project herein is my original work and has not been copied or extracted from previous source without due acknowledgement of the source.
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Signature Date
v ABSTRACT This study sought to identify the challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa Police Station. The study used a descriptive survey methodology. The research was carried out under three objectives namely; to examine the methods used by Mutawatawa police in combating stock theft, to establish the challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft in Mutawatawa policing area and to determine measures that can be used to combat stock theft in Mutawatawa policing area. Questionnaires were distributed to a random sample of six members of the public, Public Prosecutor, Magistrate and twenty police officers stationed at Mutawatawa Police Station. In-depth interviews were carried out from the Anti-Stock Theft coordinator, the Public Prosecutor and the Magistrate. The study produced these findings, ZRP Mutawatawa was using stock clearance, stop and searches, anti-stock theft campaigns, monitoring of stock registers kept by butchery owners and branding as methods of combating stock theft. More so, there were challenges in policing the crime of stock theft at Mutawatawa. These challenges came in the form of resource constraints, lack of cooperation by members of the public, late reporting and lack of expertise. In addition to that some factors which hindered the effective investigation of the crime of stock theft were lack of training, understaffing, and complexity of the crime and availability of a ready market. The researcher noted that an all-encompassing inter agency approach involving other stakeholders and approaching the Ministry of mines with a view of leasing the mining fields to reputable mining companies to do away with illegal panning activities which created a ready market for cattle rustlers. Implications for the study are that, the research opened door for other researchers to probe deeper into the subject. The study was confined to Mutawatawa police station only at the expense of all other police stations in the country. This was due to constraints in financial and time resources. The future study could focus on all police stations in the country so as to confirm if the same challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft existed. Additional research efforts should also be made to confirm or disprove conclusions and findings of the study.
vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For this research paper to be a success, I received assistance from a number of people some of whose names are not mentioned. First and foremost I give special thanks to God the heavenly father for providing abundantly, strength and blessings that kept me alive and focused to conduct this study.
My appreciation goes to Mr. Chikomba, C. P, (Chairman) who approved this topic. More so, special thanks also go to my supervisor Mr. Gona, S from the Department of Intelligent and Security for his countless hours of reflecting, reading, encouraging and me through the entire process. He kindly read my paper and offered invaluable detailed advice on the organisation and the theme of the paper. This product of this research paper would not have been possible without him.
I am grateful to all participants who were willing to take part in my research by patiently completing and returning the questionnaires and participating in the in-depth interviews at my request. Thank you for providing me with the necessary information to conduct this study.
I also thank all the third year police students at the University of Bindura for their understanding, support, encouragement and sharing of information.
vii TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
TITLE PAGE …………………………………………………. i RELEASE FORM …………………………………………………. ii APPROVAL FORM …………………………………………………. iii DEDICATION ……………………………………………...... iv DECLARATION …………………………………………………. v ABSTRACT …………………………………………………. vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS …………………………………………………. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………………………. viii LIST OF TABLES …………………………………………………. xi LIST OF FIGURES …………………………………………………. xii LIST OF APPENDICES …………………………………………………. xiii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION…………………………………………… 1 1.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………….. 1 1.1 Background of the study…………………………………………...... 1 1.2 Statement of the problem………………………………………………. 3 1.3 Objectives……………………………………………………………… 4 1.4 Research questions…………………………………………………….. 4 1.5 Assumptions………………………………………………………..….. 4 1.6 Significance of the study………………………………………………. 5 1.6.1 To the researcher………………………………………………………. 5 1.6.2 To the Zimbabwe Republic Police…………………………………….. 5 1.6.3 To Bindura University of Science Education………………………….. 5 1.6.4 To the society……………………………………………………….…. 6 1.6.5 To the government…………………………………………………. …. 6 1.7 Delimitations…………………………………………………………... 6 1.8 Limitations…………………………………………………………….. 7 1.8.1 Period too short………………………………………………………... 7 1.8.2 Incorrect information………………………………………………. …. 7 1.8.3 Access……………………………………………………………… …. 8 1.8.4 Resistance………………………………………………………….. …. 8 1.8.5 Resources……………………………………………………………… 9 1.9 Structure of the research………………………………………………. 9 1.10 Summary………………………………………………………………. 9
viii CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW………………………………… 10 2.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………….. 10 2.1 Conceptual framework……………………………………………...….. 10 2.1.1 Law regulating stock theft…………………………………………. ….. 10 2.1.2 Anti-stock theft strategy………………………………………………... 11 2.1.3 Stock theft prevention strategies……………………………………….. 12 2.1.3.1 Community involvement…………………………………………... ….. 12 2.1.3.2 Diverse approach to crime prevention……………………………...... 12 2.1.3.3 Planning of programs for crime prevention strategies……………...….. 13 2.1.3.4 Situational elements applied in crime prevention strategies………..….. 13 2.1.4 Supervision………………………………………………………… ….. 13 2.1.5 Coordination……………………………………………………………. 15 2.1.6 Training…………………………………………………….……….….. 16 2.1.7 Motivation in stock theft management………………………………… 17 2.2 Empirical evidence……………………………………….…………….. 18 2.3 Punishment, authority and control……………………………………… 24 2.4 Justification of the study………………………………….……………. 25 2.5 Summary…………………………………….……………………...….. 25
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY………………………… 26 3.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………….. 26 3.1 Research design………………………………………………………… 26 3.2 Target population………………………………………………………. 27 3.3 Sampling techniques…………………………………….……………... 27 3.4 Sample size…………………………………………….…………...... 28 3.5 Research instruments………………………………………………. ….. 28 3.6 Data collection procedure……………………………………………… 29 3.7 Validity and testing data…………………………………………… ….. 30 3.8 Reliability………………………………………………………………. 30 3.9 Data presentation and analysis…………………………………………. 30 3.10 Summary……………………………………………………………….. 31
CHAPTER IV DATA ANALYSIS, DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION…………………………………….. 32 4.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………….. 32 4.1 General questionnaire and interview analysis…………………………. 33 4.1.1 The response rate…………………………………………………...... 33 4.1.2 Age distribution of the respondents………………………………... ….. 34 4.1.3 Distribution of respondents by gender…………………………………. 35 4.1.4 Educational qualifications………………………………………..…….. 36 4.1.5 Period stayed by police officers at Mutawatawa Police Station…...... 37
ix 4.2 Methods used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft….…. …. 39 4.3 Challenges faced by police officers at ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft………………………………………...... …. 41 4.3.1 Resource establishment and strength………………………………….. 42 4.4 What are the factors hindering effective investigation of crime of stock theft…………………...……………………………………...... 44 4.4.1 Station manpower establishment, strength, shortfall and surplus……... 45 4.5 What measures can be used to curb challenges of policing stock theft in Mutawatawa………………………………………….……. ….. 47 4.6 Summary………………….……………….………………………..….. 49
CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS………………………….….. 50 5.0 Introduction…………………………..…………………….………….. 50 5.1 Summary of findings…………………………………………………... 50 5.2 Conclusions……………………………………...…………………….. 51 5.3 Recommendations……………………………..………………………. 52 5.4 Implications for future researcher……………….……………….……. 53 References…………………………………………………..…………. 54
x LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1 Percentage response rate for questionnaires by respondents 33
Table 4.2 Percentage response rate for interviews 33
Table 4.3 Resource establishment and strength table 42
Table 4.4 Manpower distribution chart 45
xi LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Percentage distribution of respondents by age 34
Figure 2 Percentage distribution of respondents by gender 35
Figure 3 Percentage distribution of respondents by educational
qualifications 36
Figure 4 Percentage distributions of police officers by period stayed at
Mutawatawa police station 37
Figure 5 Methods used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft
as identified by respondents 39
Figure 6 Challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft as
identified by respondents 41
Figure 7 Factors hindering effective investigation of the crime of
stock theft 44
Figure 8 Measures to curb challenges of policing stock theft in
Mutawatawa policing area 47
xii LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A Questionnaire to police officers 57
Appendix B Questionnaire to victims of stock theft 60
Appendix C Questionnaire to the magistrate 64
Appendix D Questionnaire to the public prosecutor 67
Appendix E An interview schedule for Mutawatawa Station Anti-Stock
Theft Coordinator 70
Appendix F An interview schedule for Mutawatawa resident magistrate 72
Appendix G An interview schedule for the public prosecutor 74
Appendix H BUSE Approval letter 76
Appendix I Z.R.P Approval letter 77
xiii CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction The researcher analysed the challenges faced by police officers in policing the crime of stock theft in the Mutawatawa policing area of Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe. The researcher in this section focused on the background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, assumptions, significance of the study, delimitation, structure of the research report and finalise with a summary. There have been a number of challenges faced by police officers in curbing a crime of stock theft in the policing area of Mutawatawa, Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe. Police officers have been affected by the increase in this crime particularly theft of cattle.
1.1 Background of the study
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is a government organisation emanating from section 219 of the Zimbabwean Constitution Amendment Number 20. It is mandated among other duties to prevent crime, detect crime, protect property and preserve peace in the country.
In the ZRP document entitled Strategic Plan vision 2020, the police is said to seek to improve on crime management. The document specifies some of the medium term objectives as to ensure that growth of crimes of concern is reduced by at least 5% of the previous year figures for the tenure of the plan and to formulate strategies and other policing initiatives that will help raise the overall crime detection rate to 75% by
1 December 2015. Stock theft is also part and parcel of the crimes of concern and as such, these can remain prevalent and are a great challenge to the police force.
It was then in pursuit of its constitutional mandate to protect property and work towards economic revival, as espoused by the Strategic Plan Vision 2020 that the ZRP intensified its Anti-Stock theft endeavors by launching the National Anti-Stock Theft Unit (NASTU) in December 2004 to fight the developmentally detrimental scourge.
The December 2004 launch of the NASTU in Harare gave birth to Anti-Stock Theft Units in all the police provinces, districts and stations in the country. Mutawatawa police station in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe is one of the stations that espoused the thrust earlier by forming the unit as early as January 2005.
The duties of the Station Anti-Stock Theft unit (SAST) include, among other things, patrolling the rural areas and attending scenes of crime. The unit also carries out constant checks on butcheries and abattoirs for compliance with the requirements of the Stock Theft Act Chapter [9; 18]. Members of the SAST also promote cooperation with other organisations like the Zimbabwe Farmer’s Union, Rural District Council and veterinary departments. In addition to that, they encourage regular media coverage on stray stock under police custody and ensure that clearance certificates (Forms 392) which regulate the movement of stock are verified. They also make use of Chiefs, Headmen and Village Heads who have a list of all cattle in their areas, seeing to it that Chiefs, Headmen, Village Heads and dip tank attendance authenticate all stock transactions. More so, the unit also strengthens community based anti-stock theft patrols, encourage proper stock management practices like branding, maintenance of records and frequent stock counting. Be that as it may, SAST members also identifies and targets serious and persistent offenders to reduce their criminal activities through pro-active policing, training of police
2 officers on the provisions of the Stock Theft Act and implementing fully the Anti-Stock Theft Strategy.
Mutawatawa is a communal area covering a surface area of 4 934 square kilometers found in Mashonaland East Province under Murewa District. It is bordered by Rushinga to the North, Murewa to the South, Mutoko and Nyamapanda to the East. The furthest point from the station is Dewe which is 94 kilometers from the station. The topography of the station is characterized by steepy sloping broken hill. The area of policing has got an estimated population of 119 457.
1.2 Statement of the problem
The study was prompted by the fact that stock thieves are always emerging, cases of stock theft are rising and the police are failing to detect much of those cases. This has made Mutawatawa Police station to experience a serious increase in cases of stock theft between 2012 and 2013. In 2012, twenty two cases were received where as in 2013 thirty five cases were received indicating an increase of thirteen cases. In response to this, the Officer Commanding Mashonaland East Province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charles Makono had this to say “let me hasten to say that, in order to stifle the efforts of stock thieves, there is need for us to have concerted effort from both the police and members of the public for better results…” The Outpost April 2014:9. He said these words during the WhatsApp together with the cattle branding programme launch held at Mutawatawa Business Centre in March 2014.
Stock theft does not only affect the complainant but also those around the complainant and the country as a whole. When people lose their stock due to either theft or stray they lack confidence in the police. The researcher therefore looked into the challenges faced
3 by the police officers in policing this crime in order to come up with solutions to the challenges.
1.3 Objectives To examine the methods used by Mutawatawa police in combating stock theft.
To establish the challenges faced by Mutawatawa police in combating stock theft.
To determine measures that can be used by Mutawatawa police to combat stock theft.
1.4 Research questions What methods are used by Mutawatawa police in combating stock theft?
What are the challenges faced by Mutawatawa police in combating stock theft?
What measures can be used by Mutawatawa police to combat stock theft?
1.5 Assumptions
The researcher assumed that the research results reflect a true picture of the challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft. The respondents gave true and reliable
4 information without bias. Time and resources permitted the completion of the study. The results are reliable to form basis of policy formulation.
1.6 Significance of the study 1.6.1 To the researcher
The researcher as a police officer stationed at Mutawatawa and doing investigation duties would benefit a lot from this study as implementation of findings will help in coming up with solutions to challenges and also to reduce crime. Added to this, the researcher is a student doing BBA-PSS and this study helped theory into practice.
1.6.2 To the Zimbabwe Republic Police
Zimbabwe Republic Police organisation as a stakeholder is going to benefit as the study focused on the core business of the organisation which is crime, the challenges faced in a bid to curb it and what can be done to reduce or mitigate those challenges. This will also go a long way in improving the image of the government because if the study succeeds in mitigating the challenges faced, then the organisation can improve in its service delivery system and also the country at large can be rated a crime free country. The country can also benefit economically as quality service delivery increases investor confidence and more investors will thus invest in the country. The generality of the population will benefit from improved policing of the crimes of stock theft as they will go about doing their business without having to live in fear of crime.
1.6.3 To Bindura University of Science Education
The research increase the base of research material in the same or related study and give guidance to researchers once the project has been filed in the library. Academically, the
5 study contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field of study hence filling the gap left by other researchers in mitigating the challenges faced by police officers in policing the crime of stock theft. There is an increase of literature for future use hence a benefit to students.
1.6.4 To the society
The community is at the receiving end as it is the most affected group because it is the one which need protection and as such the research benefits the community as there are better methods to curb the commission of these crimes and improved way of detecting these cases whenever they occur. The community has mobilized to come up with new ideas such as neighborhood watch committees which benefit themselves. People’s stocks are not subject to these crimes as the research succeeded in mitigating challenges faced in policing these crimes.
1.6.5 To the government
The government is going to benefit economically due to the fact that challenges are mitigated, stock theft cases will decrease and less money will be budgeted for the resources in the fight against crime. It will also benefit by implementing new policies that will see a decrease in crime trends in the whole country and people will have confidence in their government. The national herd will also increase.
1.7 Delimitations
The research was concerned with assessing the main challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft. The researcher sourced his data from police records and interviews with police officers as it was mainly focused on the police. The research was conducted in Mutawatawa policing area in Murewa District of Mashonaland East Province. Murewa
6 District is made up of seven police stations and two posts namely Mutawatawa, Murewa, Mutoko, Nyamapanda, Makosa, Juru, Chinamhora, Musami and Kotwa. The researcher has chosen Mutawatawa as a case study due to the escalation of stock theft that the Zimbabwe Republic Police in this area has to deal with. The policing area is communal and 20% of its population is employed while 80% is unemployed. The researcher was aware that there was time constrains to conduct the research by found the area ideal for the study because the researcher was living in the area during the time of the research.
The research was carried out from the month of December 2014 to the end of June 2015. The research also used the statistics for two years that is from August 2012 to August 2014.
1.8 Limitations 1.8.1 Period too short
The research period was too short to correctly come up with good results. In that period there was less number of cases received by the police than was the case in other previous periods. It was difficult to see the performance of the police within the period of the research. As such, it was a limitation on the study. However, the researcher, in trying to overcome this limitation, resorted to previous statistics for a period of two years. The researcher then compared these statistics and came up with better results that gave better recommendations.
1.8.2 Incorrect information
Incorrect information from interviewees was likely to be a great limitation. Since the research was mostly centred on the police, police officers have got a tendency of protecting the image of the organisation. By so doing, there was a likelihood of them
7 giving false information as to whether they face challenges in policing stock theft or not. In trying to manage this limitation, the researcher used techniques such as questionnaires and interviews that were simplified so that the respondents will open up and give correct information. The researcher also obtained information for use from victims of stock theft, resident magistrate and the public prosecutor so as to ascertain the correct information.
1.8.3 Access
Access of information in police stations, veterinary services departments and the courts was limited. It took time for the researcher to access information from police stations, veterinary service departments and courts as there were many channels to be followed. However, as the researcher was aware of these, application for permission to carry out the research and to have access to these areas was done well before the research started. These applications were done four weeks prior to the research. Police officers were informed of the advantages of conducting this research so they complied. Before interviewing them, the researcher asked for permission from the officer in charge hence transparency prevailed to them and they did not fear to release some of the pertinent information.
1.8.4 Resistance
The researcher was likely to face resistance from targeted respondents in answering questionnaires. Most people just have a negative attitude towards researches as they believe nothing will improve even if they contribute as such they end up ignoring or resisting participating. In dealing with this, the researcher visited interviewees in time and had the knowledge of those who were willing to cooperate. Only willing respondents were considered to undertake the study. Some respondents were reluctant to disclose confidential information. The researcher informed that the information will be strictly used for the research and no identification was required.
8 1.8.5 Resources
Resources were a great limitation on this research. Besides interviewing police members, the researcher also interviewed victims of stock theft, the resident magistrate and the public prosecutor hence transport to move around the area of policing was the greatest challenge as the researcher did not had personal transport or any donation. Financial resource was also a challenge as the researcher required money to buy food and to host interviewees. To overcome this, a well-wisher from the Business Against Crime Forum provided enough resources which enabled the research to be a success.
1.9 Structure of the research The research is divided into five chapters. Embodied in chapter one is the study’s introduction, background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, assumptions, significance of the study to the researcher, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Bindura University of Science Education, society and the government, delimitations and limitations. Chapter two reviews relevant literature and is divided into conceptual framework and empirical evidence. Chapter three clarified the methodology employed during the study and these include the procedure used in gathering data, analyzing and presentation of the information. Chapter four focuses on data analysis, processing, organizing, summarisation of information and presentation of results. Chapter five summarizes the whole study and provides a conclusion based on the findings and recommendations.
1.10 Summary This introductory chapter covered a number of issues and how they were going to be executed during the research. The chapter briefly outlined an introduction, background of the study, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, significance of the study, delimitations and limitations. This chapter leads to literature review which provides the background and context for the research problem. It establishes the need for the research and indicates that the writer is knowledgeable about the area researched. Literature review are secondary sources and as such do not report any new or original experimental work.
9 CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
Literature review, according to Bordens and Abbott (2014), is a review of relevant literature and theory conducted during early stages of the research process to identify important variables and accept methods and to establish a rationale for research hypothesis. It is a summary of what has already been written or said about the topic being researched on by other authorities.
In this chapter, the researcher looked at the review of related literature under conceptual framework which covered law regulating stock theft, anti-stock theft strategy, stock theft prevention strategies, supervision, coordination, training and motivation in stock theft management. The research went on to look on the empirical review where four other related studies were analysed.
2.1 Conceptual framework. 2.1.1 Law regulating stock theft.
According to Madhuku (2010), law refers to rules and regulations that govern human conduct and other societal relations and are enforceable by the state. Generally law has two functions namely, to do justice and to preserve peace Madhuku (2010). Therefore, there is need for law that regulates stock theft so that there is justice and peace in the agriculture sector. Otherwise some people would benefit from the wealthy of others as
10 stock is regarded as the form of wealthy in Zimbabwe, by so doing chaos doing chaos would become the order of the day.
Another important aspect of the law is the source of law. There are several sources of law which include common law, legislation, judicial precedent, custom and authoritative texts Madhuku (2010). Nevertheless, in this research, the source which was relevant is legislation. Law made by legislature start as a bill which is introduced in parliament, passes through various stages in both the lower and upper houses of assembly until it is assented to by the president and become an Act. In Zimbabwe, the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9; 23 provide for the offence of stock theft on section 114. The researcher found out the adequacy and effectiveness of the laws in combating crimes relating to stock theft.
2.1.2 Anti-stock theft strategy.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police being the major stakeholder in the sustenance of the prevailing peace and tranquility in Zimbabwe has to contend with another fast growing challenge in crime, that of Stock Theft, which has of recent assumed a transnational perspective. In an endeavor to buttress the dream of successfully achieving the goals and objectives of the ZRP transformational process, the organisation established a Crime Strategy in May 2000 as part of the Strategic Planning Process.
It is under the same auspices that the Anti-Stock Theft Strategy is being established, and it seeks to bring about an effective, efficient and systematic approach to the fight against the stock theft scourge in Zimbabwe. The vision of the Anti-Stock Theft Strategy according to the ZRP Anti-Stock Theft Strategy is “The strategy envisages a stock theft free country by 2020.”
11 2.1.3 Stock theft prevention strategies. According to Van Heerden (1986:15) crime prevention is an integrated approach which can rely on any institution, resource or measure to achieve the following goals, namely to prevent the repetition of crime, prevent the development of criminal motivation, manipulate motive into legal directions, prevent the speed of criminality to prone personalities, protect society from the establishment of crime and eliminate conditions that might encourage criminality.
2.1.3.1 Community involvement in crime prevention. Marais, in Glanz (1993:115) cites that it is necessary that the community should be involved in the prevention of crime. The following facts are important, these are; community individually or collectively accept responsibility for their behaviour, should be aware of the necessity of avoiding or minimalizing opportunities for crime and be prepared to work hand in hand with the police to provide information readily with regard to criminal activities, even though it does not directly affect them.
2.1.3.2 Diverse approach to crime prevention. Crime prevention should be based on a variety of theoretic perspectives and research should be used as an evaluative instrument Naude in Glanz (1993:315-316). Naude in Glanz (1993) went on to suggest that a diverse approach to crime prevention be applied as crime is complex and all people are capable of criminal behaviour should a suitable situation exist and should it be morally acceptable and appear to pose a limited risk. Some people commit crime on a cost benefit analysis. Many crimes are unique considering the specific area, criminal patterns and occurrence are influenced by the definition of crime, as well as economic, political, social and religious factors. These can vary with regard to the nature of criminal behaviour as well as the duration. Finally crime prevention should be studied from a multi-disciplinary approach in order to achieve any success and overcome challenges.
12 2.1.3.3 Planning of programs for crime prevention. Lucas in Van Heerden (1998:160) reiterates that planning and implementation of crime prevention program are prerequisites to ensure the anticipated results. The scientifically based techniques and research results need to be applied effectively and all crime prevention campaigns need to be integrated. He suggest that such a program should include the philosophy that prevention include predisposing and precipitating levels, that the society’s ethical and cultural reference framework be kept in mind, the public’s interest be stimulated by knowledge regarding crime and prevention thereof by making participation possible, maladjustments be tracked down and treated in advance and finally through screening suitable objective and sensitive staff.
2.1.3.4 Situational elements applied in crime prevention strategies. Mayhew in Poyner (1983:12) identified eight situational elements that can be effectively applied in crime prevention strategies. One of the elements is that of target hardening which refers to the installation of locks and application of other security measures which deter the criminal from pouncing on the target. The next element being removal of the instruments involved in committing crimes that is control over weapons, substituting glasses with plastic glasses in a bar is preventative. More so, this can be done through formal observation by using patrol officers or other security officers, also through natural observation by using neighborhood watches or observation by the community during their normal activities.
2.1.4 Supervision.
According to Betts (1993:3), “a supervisor is any person who is given authority and responsibility for planning and controlling the work of a group through close contact.” He is a person who is given power and responsibility to plan and organize the work of a group. In the Zimbabwe Republic Police, evidence of supervision is found in visiting
13 officer’s book, entries in the briefing and debriefing register, check patrol reports and charts as well as instructions on criminal dockets and other records.
According to Stoner (1993), there are many sources of power, one of which is legitimate power. This form of power is obtained through promotion, appointment, or because of one’s position in an organisation. Officers in charge of police stations have legitimate power because they were appointed by the organisation. They have to use the power to plan, organize and supervise the activities of the Station Anti-Stock Theft unit. However, Betts (1993:3) also observed that, “…competent supervisors are essential in any business. However, many supervisors are poorly trained, neglected by management and usually blamed for unproductive employees.” This observation could be the one affecting police attached to Station Anti-Stock Theft unit today.
Basic elements of supervision Betts (1993) identified three major elements of supervision as building and maintaining an organizational structure, creating and maintaining an effective workforce and finally controlling the work. Building and maintaining an organizational structure- this entails organizational restructuring, clarifying objectives, explaining, directing and assessing activities and developing organizational relationships. Supervisors have power to restructure sections or departments depending on the level of the supervisor. They are expected to clarify objectives and assist in explaining all areas where members have problems.
Any activities assigned must be assessed or evaluated to ascertain whether the unit is still on course according to plan. Every station has various sections or units which make up the station such as investigation section, charge office, anti-stock theft unit, records, and crime statistics. It is the role of the officer in charge to develop positive relationships among these sections through coordination as their daily activities depend on each other. Such coordination
14 would ensure that the various sections complement one another instead of competing against one another.
Creating and maintain an effective workforce- this involves fostering good working relationships, promoting effective communication, training, developing and maintaining motivation. Supervisors must ensure that there is effective communication among their subordinates and among the various sections that make up the station. They are also expected to practice on the job training to develop proper knowledge, skills and attitudes. The workforce must also be consistently motivated to do the work. Motivation can either be positive, which is associated with rewards or negative, which is associated with punishment.
Controlling the work- this involves planning activities, applying control techniques, reducing waste, cost reduction and achieving and maintaining high quality of work. Supervisors must work towards cost effectiveness without compromising the quantity and quality of the work. Control mechanisms such as records, written reports, meetings, visits and inspections must be put in place for monitoring purposes.
2.1.5 Coordination. According to Stoner (1993:322), “Coordination is the process of integrating the objectives and activities of separate work units in order to realize the organization’s goals effectively.” Without coordination, units tend to divert from their roles within the organization and pursue individual goals. When units require or can benefit from information flow between units, then a high degree of coordination can be achieved.
Stoner (1993) observed the following problems affecting coordination:- Each unit tends to develop its own objectives and targets on how to achieve them. These targets may not be in harmony with other units.
15 Work units often differ in their time orientation, for example, production problems are often seen as crises and need immediate solutions while problems of research and development may take years to be solved.
Units might differ on their formality, for example, production may have clear, strict and explicit standards of performance whereas performance may have more general standards.
Units should cooperate and their tasks should be integrated where necessary without reducing the differences that contribute to task accomplishment. It might be necessary for one unit to give advice to another.
2.1.6 Training. Another important part of manpower development according to Gaines (1990) is in-service training. Gaines (1990) argues that laws are constantly changing, new departmental procedures are implemented, new expertise is needed, old equipment is becoming absolute, and old skills always require reinforcement. As a new initiative, Station Anti Stock Theft unit must benefit from in-service training. This will ensure that members of the unit have knowledge and skills that are at par with the current criminal trends and modus operandi of those who are involved in cattle rustling.
Most Station Anti Stock Theft unit members are new police officers coming from other stations and from depot and as such they do not have experience in dealing with criminals and handling investigations in stock theft cases and they are also not conversant with the area. They are still in the process of learning police work and Station Anti Stock Theft unit tasks.
16 Gaines (1993) identified the following benefits of in-service training:- It is not only used to update officers but also to correct deficiencies. It increases production as members become aware of their responsibilities and targets. Training increases efficiency and reduces mistakes or errors. With training, an organization its future leaders
2.1.7 Motivation in stock theft management. Whisenand, (2001:145) says, “Worker motivation is the psychological force within a person that determines the direction of a person’s behaviour in an organisation, a person’s level of effort and a person’s level of persistence in the face of obstacle”.
According to Chief Inspector Munjeri, crime can easily be reduced as long as police officers are motivated to suppress it and for law enforcement officials to effectively and efficiently deal with the crime, the have to be reasonably motivated (ZRP Outpost May 2006:43).
A demotivated worker cannot produce quality work. The major reason why most of the police stations fail to reduce stock theft is simply because Officers in Charge do not know how to motivate their subordinates. Officers in Charge stations should learn to reward subordinates performing exceptionally well and for achieving set goals. In managing of stock theft, there is need for motivation of members for them to have a desire to accomplish the set goals despite the challenges faced.
17 2.2 Empirical evidence
Empirical framework is made up of work originated in or based on the observations and experiences. It is guided by practical experience. It is therefore based on previous research work.
Anderson (1986) conducted a study on Stock Theft and Moral Economy in Colonial Kenya cited that, from the earliest years of colonial government in Kenya, cattle raiding by Africans against their neighbours, and in particular livestock thefts from European farmers, presented the administration with their most persistent policing problems in the rural areas of the colony. During the period of colonial rule in Kenya, reported cases of stock theft increased sharply from 1 578 in 1955 to 4 243 in 1962. Settler’s opinion held that the continuing prevalence of stock theft had much to do with the social prestige attached to the crime in many African communities. The unwillingness of the African public to assist in the prevention and detection of stock theft had long been interpreted as a tacit sanctioning of such theft, leading to the conclusion that, within the ‘moral economy’ of many African communities, stock theft was not thought of a crime at all.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Rift Valley Province in 1959 commented that stock theft was a traditional sport of the young men of many tribes, and the elders cannot be expected to act as kill-joys and stamp it out unless they themselves are liable to suffer. The belief that stock theft was an acceptable form of accumulation within Kalenjin and Maasai society determined the nature of the legislation put forward by the colonial administration to deal with the crime. Policing and punishment were accordingly based upon the notion of collective responsibility for acts of stock theft, with the powers to extend collective punishments to families, villagers and even entire locations found to be implicated in thefts.
18 The security forces in Kenya are very often hesitant to pursue cattle rustlers into their hideouts since they have learnt from experience that it might be suicidal. The militarisation of the Pokot and the Turkana cattle rustlers have become more pronounced. Very often the Pokot and Turkana warlords organise joint cattle raiding operations, involving thousands of retainers, into Uganda, the Sudan and Ethiopia.
According to the Ugandan newspaper, New Vision (1990:8), guns have become a way of life among the pastoralists of East Africa. This is evident from the equation:
For without guns, therefore without cattle in an ecology where cattle are the only answer in the immediate short run you cannot help being a pauper, a destitute (New Vision, 1990:8).
The weapons were acquired from ex-President Idi Amin’s fleeing soldiers in Uganda. The above cited incidents indicated that cattle rustlers in Kenya were heavily armed with sophisticated weapons such as rocket propelled grenades and launchers, landmines, machine guns and an assortment of other weapons. This, therefore, showed the daring nature and type of heavy weaponry used in new forms of cattle rustling in Kenya. Nothing of the sort has ever been witnessed in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe district (Mutawatawa policing area) or even in Zimbabwe itself.
On the other hand, although wars of liberation from the colonial bondage have been fought in southern African countries, no proliferation of guns and ammunition has been linked to cattle rustling in Zimbabwe in general and Mutawatawa in particular.
Brand and Price (2000) carried a study in London to determine the challenges faced in policing crimes of property and pointed out that resource constraint is one of the main challenges. He said that the budget must be split into resources that are crime related and those
19 are not in order to estimate the police resources devoted to crime. No national estimates of the allocation of police resources are currently available.
According to the research conducted by Gard (2010) in India, titled “Cattle rustling”, cattle rustling were a common hazard in the frontier days of the United States of America. He highlights that the early white settlers of Texas faced a common hazard of stock theft. Red Indians from Mexico and Mexicans cattle rustlers stole cattle from early white settlers of Texas. They primarily did this to avenge the white settlers who had killed and maimed them when they took occupation of Texas. This then became a challenge to the police officer in policing stock theft as there was violence involved in commission of that crime.
On the other hand, Texas thieves stole large herds of stock, from cattle ranchers in Mexico. They stole the cattle at night and drove them to Kansas markets. This was similar to Mutawatawa where cattle rustlers raid complainant’s beast after accusing them for supporting the opposition party. These rustlers moved around during the day scouting for easy prey to pounce on. They then struck at night and drove the cattle across Mazowe River, Nyaguwe River and Nyadire River where they slaughter them and sell the meat to illegal gold panners. It then poses a great challenge to the police to detect such cases as they have no night equipment to enable them to conduct night patrols along Mazowe River, Nyaguwe River and Nyadire River.
Often rustlers preyed on herds that grazed where high bushes afforded hiding places. To defend themselves against attacks by owners whose livestock they would have stolen, the Mexican rustlers used revolvers known as ‘six shooters’. In contrast, no such armed incidents of cattle rustling have ever been reported in Mutawatawa.
20 The research which was carried by Cutshall and McCold (1982) in Zambia, the researchers examined the strategic responses of stock theft victims among seventy two groups in six locals in Zambia. It was argued that victims’ decisions to notify the police were largely constrained by traditional legal expectations about appropriate sanctions for cattle thieves. In Zambia, the aims of stock theft victims conflict with those of the criminal justice system. It was suggested that the procedure for formal remedy agent notification could be improved by incorporating noncriminal sanctions such as compensation and restitution invoked by traditional remedy agents.
This is common with the Zimbabwean context especially Mutawatawa in particular where some of the stock theft cases which happen to occur in remote areas like Dewe and Masunzwa in Pfungwe area are not even brought to the attention of the police. The victims prefer to report such cases to the community leaders and where the culprits are known, the traditional leaders preside over those cases and some compensation and restitutions are facilitated. The community does not report such cases to the police due to lack of trust in the police.
In another research carried out by Hubschle (2005) in Namibia, the major concern was that of escalating rate of stock theft in the region. He highlighted that farmers were no longer reporting stock theft cases as they have lost faith in the police. Of late cases were reported but no investigations were being carried out. He claimed complaints of stock theft are often given excuses, indicating that police are failing to attend to their complaints due to lack of transport. More so, the researcher proposed that two vehicles be allocated to each police station. The farmers also complained that repeated stock theft offenders are freed on bail only to steal their livestock again. The issue of delay in some court cases was also highlighted. The researcher cited that there were more cases which were being dealt with due to the overall escalation on crime in the country. He went on citing inexperienced judicial officials and lack of human resources as some of the
21 contributing factors to the dragging out of court cases. Experienced judicial officials were said to have been leaving the public service for greener pastures and or retirement.
In a research which was carried by Clinard and Abbort (1973) in Uganda, cattle theft is a major crime in developing countries thereby posing challenges to police officers in those developing countries. The Dodoth people conducted 128 raids in 1961. In those raids, 150 people were killed and 25 000 herds of cattle changed hands. In 1966, 40 raids were conducted in Tanzania by the Wamangati tribe in which 17 people were killed with spears, clubs, bows and arrows. Guns were also used in some raids. Smuggled automatic rifles, sub-machine guns and vehicles were used, especially along the borders between Kenya, Uganda and the Sudan.
The above cases depicts that, during the ancient days, livestock thefts were accompanied by wars and clashes between people of different tribal origins and the police were failing to arrest the situation. Zimbabwe is no exception as the Ndebele tribe conducted lots of livestock raids when they advance into this country from the Republic of South Africa. This only ceased with the coming of the white settlers who subjected the whole country to their bondage. However the nature of stock theft is getting more advanced and complicated and is no longer being fuelled by tribal connotations.
Generally, in Zimbabwe, and Mutawatawa station in particular, stock theft had not reached a stage such as that in East Africa, were wars were fought. However, in this contemporary era, stock owners are reluctant in practicing the strategies being implemented by the police such as collective cattle penning, cattle branding and livestock clearance rendering it difficult for the police to combat the crime of stock theft. More so, stock thieves are now in a position of acquiring fake stock cards because these stock cards have no any distinct features making it easy for one to acquire them. Late reporting is also
22 another factor which is contributing to the low detection rate as stock owner report their cases when the spore had already lost.
In another separate study by Donnermeyer and Barclay (2005) which was carried out in Australia, it was found out that the nature of rural communities defines the conditions within which local people do their jobs, despite standardized training, standardized definitions of the roles to be performed by the police, and a degree of uniformity imposed on officers by their own agency bureaucracy. The characteristics of the people and groups within the local population with whom the police frequently have contact, as well as the boarder social system of support from local leaders and citizens influence how police officers respond to calls for service and issues relating to public safety. The greater a rural community’s cohesion, however, the greater may be the potential conflict between the official roles of a law enforcer and the preference of local residence (Donnermeyer and Barclay, 2005).
Donnermeyer and Barclay ibid state that, a challenge facing rural police that in turn influences their approach to law enforcement is their approach to law enforcement is their position within the community. In essence, the police and their families are highly visible community members, to quote one officer: “The people I arrest may be the parents or relatives of kids my children go to school with or play football with”.
The main types of farm crimes in Australia are stock theft and the theft of tools and equipment. The main challenge being faced by police on these crimes is that, farmers report late or do not report these crimes at all. There were common reason for late reporting and non-reporting of these crimes, such as the offence being too trivial to report or that there was little the police could do. Police in small rural communities necessarily employ discretion in order to preserve a positive working relationship with local
23 residents, this impact upon the delivery of justice in positive and sometimes negative ways. This is a scenario in Zimbabwe in general and Mutawatawa in particular.
2.3 Punishment, authority and control Throughout the colonial period in Kenya legislation provided for severe punishments against stock thieves. Although the pattern of sentencing fluctuated considerably, in so far as they were able to discern it, thieves convicted under the Stock and Produce Theft Ordinance (1913) could expect anything between one and five years’ imprisonment, combined with a hefty fine calculated as a multiple of the value of the stolen stock. If the thief was unable to meet this fine from his own resources, then the punishment could be levied against his family and the wider community. Furthermore, where it was believed that Africans had hindered the investigation of a theft, or had knowingly harboured the thief of his booty, a punishment could be levied against them under the Collective Punishment Ordinance (1909) for failing to assist in the prosecution. More so, in a bid to combat the crime of stock theft, Anderson (1986) highlighted that, towards the end of the 1930s, European police officers were making regular tours of troublesome areas, along with increased patrols and raids in the marcher regions occupied by thieves.
In Zimbabwe, pertaining punishment of the crime of stock theft, there is no collective punishment; only the people involved in the act suffer the consequences. In the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9; 23 sentencing depends with some circumstances surrounding the offence but it states that if there are no special circumstances in the particular case as provided in the code, imprisonment for a period of not less than nine years or more than twenty-five years is imposed.
Improving the police’s transport system can go a long way in ensuring that reports of stock theft are attended to expeditiously. A case in point is that of Constable Ignatious
24 Muzenda of Mutawatawa Police Station who recovered twenty six herd of cattle after walking a distance of seventy kilometres (The Outpost, July 1999:10).
2.4 Justification of the study The previous researchers dwell much on stock theft being committed in other countries involving advanced methods. Stock theft was often accompanied by use of military weaponry and violence means being used as well. Nothing much on challenges faced by police officers in policing officers in policing stock theft was researched and this study seeks to further elaborate on this aspect. The findings thereof can then be applied in areas with similar characteristics as that of the study.
2.5 Summary This chapter discussed literature review using conceptual framework which covered law regulating stock theft, anti-stock theft strategy, stock theft prevention strategies, supervision, coordination, training and motivation in stock theft management. The chapter also covered empirical review where seven other related studies were used.
25 CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction This chapter identifies the research design and the target population. Sample size and sampling techniques are also covered together with the research instruments that were used in this research. Validity of data instruments, reliability of instruments and data presentation are also subtopics covered in this chapter. A summary concludes this chapter.
3.1 Research design Research design according to Zyl (2008) refers to the plan that the researcher intended to undertake in order to conduct the research and data collection. A combined study was undertaken and can be described as one in which the researcher uses multiple methods of data collection and analysis. To achieve the objective of this study, a combination of an explanatory study and descriptive study was undertaken. The need for an explanatory study arose as a result of some challenges facing police officers in policing stock theft in Mutawatawa policing area.
A descriptive survey was done as the researcher described a phenomenon and the characteristics of a population using quantitative data. The explanatory study brought forth new sight. This research was explanatory and was also designed to be primarily qualitative, although quantitative analysis of data is necessary in other researches. Its primary aim is to obtain information from police records and elicit participant’s account of the meaning or perception in criminal matters (Oppenheim, 2000).
26 3.2 Target population The target population consists of sixty police officers who are stationed at Mutawatawa, fifteen stock owners who reported their cases between the periods under review and five other stakeholders comprising of the Magistrate, Crime Consultative Chairperson, Public Prosecutor, Veterinary officer and the Business Against Crime Chairperson. The sample size was drawn as a segment from this population.
3.3 Sampling techniques The researcher used a simple random sampling to select the sample size. Purposive sampling was also used targeting those police officers attached to Anti-Stock Theft Unit. A large number of police officers were selected because the main thrust of the research was to find the challenges they face in policing stock theft and were therefore seen as better placed in contributing meaningfully to the study. The Public Prosecutor and the Magistrate were also selected as they contribute a lot in the processing of dockets and execution of justice.
Police records for the period under review formed the sample frame for the cases of crime of stock theft. Assistance from personnel in crime statistics officers allowed for data collection. The researcher used station crime register to look all cases concerning crimes of stock theft in the policing area of Mutawatawa and to identify the detection rate of those cases.
The sampling labels bearing crime register number for each complainant were placed in a cardboard box and were used to do the simple random selection of twenty police officers who participated in the project. This method was also used on stock owners and other stakeholders. The total sample size represented thirty five percent of the total population. The researcher ensured that every individual had an equal chance of participating in this research.
27 3.4 Sample size The sample size consisted of twenty eight participants comprising of twenty police officers selected from the sixty who are among the others stationed at Mutawatawa police station, six stock owners from fifteen who filed cases of stock theft at Mutawatawa police station during the period under review and finally two stakeholders from the five listed ones and these are the Magistrate and the Public Prosecutor from Mutawatawa Magistrate Court. The sample was considered as manageable considering the researcher’s time and resources.
3.5 Research instruments The researcher used questionnaires and in depth interviews to gain a better insight into the phenomenon of the challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft from participant’s point of view. This according to Robson (2002) assists to unfold the meaning of people’s explanations from their own perspectives.
The researcher used interviews and questionnaires to collect data in conformity with the observation of the triangulation requirement of data collection by comparing the results of two or more methods of data collection procedures. The major advantage of this is that, the limitations inherent in one method are compensated by the strength of the other method.
The questionnaire was chosen because it can be administered to a wider area that is Mutawatawa policing area. This was done by posting thereby reducing travelling expenses. More so, with questionnaires, information can be collected within a short period of time and is cost effective. It also helped in enhancing anonymity and confidentiality of respondents thereby enabling them to respond freely.
28 Interviews were also used to enable respondents to seek clarifications and to enable the interviewer to take advantage of non-verbal communication. It is also fast and reliable when it comes to data collection. Saunders (2000) postulates that an interview schedule is comprised of a list of questions that one will ask the interviewees with follow up questions prepared prior to embarking on an interview. Interview schedules in line with objectives of the research that formed part of the themes to be followed were also designed for all in depth interviews. The administrator was used as an intermediary and introduced the researcher to the participants. The research also used secondary data such as government reports.
3.6 Data collection procedure The researcher sought for permission to gain access from Officer In-Charge Mutawatawa police station before administering the questionnaire. Progressive access was also sought from the respondents whose consent was critical in gaining valid results and findings.
The researcher made use of the In Charge Administrator at Mutawatawa police station in the administration of the questionnaires and got a high response rate. A total of twenty questionnaires were distributed to the police officers, six questionnaires were distributed to victims of stock theft, and the Magistrate and the Public Prosecutor were also issued with a questionnaire each. Respondents were given enough time to go through the questionnaire and completed them without identifying themselves to ensure confidentiality. A letter of transmittal was attached to each administered questionnaire and respondents completed them during their normal working hours. Envelopes were used to enclose and seal the completed questionnaires which were submitted to the Officer In-Charge where the researcher collected them.
29 3.7 Validity and testing of data Barbie (2007) defines validity as the extent to which a measurement does what it supposed to do. Validity concerns the accuracy of the questions asked, the data collected and the explanation offered. The researcher drew up a set of questions after conducting a focus group study. A pilot study was carried out with fifteen members. The researcher then analysed the data obtained. The researcher compared the material within the categories, looking for variations and nuances in meanings. The researcher made comparisons across the categories to discover connections between the themes. This enabled the researcher to integrate the themes and concepts into a theory that offers accurate, detailed yet subtle interpretation of the research.
3.8 Reliability Reliability refers to the consistence, stability, or dependability of the data (Barbie, ibid). Reliability is primarily concerned with the consistency of findings. The questionnaires were written in simple English. The researcher also explained the questionnaires to the respondents who were literate enough to understand the questions.
3.9 Data presentation and analysis Remenyi (1998) correctly defines data analysis as the process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the mass of collected data. The researcher in trying to bring order used statistical tools, that is, tables, graphs, pie charts and bar graphs for easy understanding and interpretations. According to Rubin and Rubin (1995), crime research is more qualitative than quantitative. Therefore in this study quantitative analysis was used to support the qualitative data gathered. Thus the data was subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Data was presented in simple tables. Tables can be used to interpret other forms of analyzing data such as pie charts and bar graphs.
30 The researcher used percentage calculations in order to come up with specific results representing the whole population. Percentage calculations enable other readers or users of the research information to quickly come up with correct inferences on the researched subjects and subsequently come up with informed decisions.
Graphs show a quick informed conclusion at one glance. Graphs do not waste the researcher’s time in explaining as they are easy to understand even without explanations. Pie charts are also not complicated forms of data presentation as such the researcher used them in explaining his results.
3.10 Summary This chapter started with an introduction before it described research methodology as a description of the format and theoretical structure under which the study was carried out. In this chapter, the target population was specifically stated followed by sample size and sampling techniques that were used and the reasons behind their use. Research instruments such as questionnaires and interviews were also covered together with the validity of data instruments and reliability of these instruments. A description of data presentation and analysis was also tackled in this chapter. The next chapter shall deal with data analysis, interpretation, discussion and presentation.
31 CHAPTER IV
DATA ANALYSIS, DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION
4.0 Introduction This chapter discusses the study’s findings on the challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa police station from 2012 to 2014. The researcher found it necessary in some instances to give an extended analysis under sub-questions to further clarify some observed issues. The descriptive survey methodology was used, of which the questionnaire, records analysis and the interview were used as research instruments. This chapter described the results of the research through the presentation, analysis and interpretation of data. The data is presented in tables and figures such as graphs and pie charts.
Raw data collected using questionnaires, records analysis and interview was haphazard. This was then logically organized and presented in this chapter, so as to render meaning to it. It became easy to interpret the results, in order to come up with valid and reliable conclusions. The presentation of data enabled the researcher to come up with valid research findings and recommendations.
32 4.1 General questionnaire and interview analysis 4.1.1 The response rate The summary of the research findings and the response rate of the respondents to which questionnaires were administered are shown below:
Table 4.1: Percentage response rate for questionnaires by respondents (n=26) Respondents Questionnaires Questionnaires Response Administered Returned Rate (%) Police officers 20 18 90 Victims of Stock Theft 6 6 100 Magistrate 1 1 100 Public Prosecutor 1 1 100 Total 28 26 93 Source: Primary Data
The findings in table 4.1 above show that 28 questionnaires were distributed and 26 were returned, thereby giving an overall response rate of 93%.
Table 4.2: Percentage response rate for interviews (n=3) Participants Number targeted Interviews Response for interviews conducted rate (%) SAST Coordinator 1 1 100 Magistrate 1 1 100 Public Prosecutor 1 1 100 Total 3 3 100 Source: Primary Data
33 The results in Table 4.2 above indicated that all the 3 participants who are the Station Anti-Stock Theft Coordinator, the Magistrate and the Public Prosecutor where interviewed giving a response rate of 100%.
4.1.2 Age distribution of the respondents
Age distribution
50 and above 12%
42 - 49 4%
34 - 41 31%
26 - 33 38% Age rangeofrespondents
18 - 25 15%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% Percentage number of respondents
Figure 1: Percentage distribution of respondents by age (n=26) Source: Primary Data
The above results indicate that thirty eight percent of the respondents were aged between twenty six and thirty three years that representing the highest population of the sample. These were followed by those aged between thirty four and forty one years and they were thirty one percent. The range of eighteen to twenty five years had fifteen percent of the respondents whereas those aged fifty and above was twelve percent and finally four percent was aged between forty two and forty nine years.
34 The largest number of the respondents comprise of those who are mostly affected by the challenges faced by the police in policing stock theft as they are directly linked to the investigation processes. They are the ones who attend to stock theft cases, arrest cattle rustlers and compile stock theft dockets. This range depicts that the respondents are the most seasoned investigating officers and the able bodied who are quite conversant with the interpretation and implementation of the stock theft strategies.
4.1.3 Distribution of respondents by gender
Gender
15%
KEY Males Females 85%
Figure 2: Percentage distribution of respondents by gender (n=26) Source: Primary data
Most of the respondents were males; this is evidenced by eighty five percent that is twenty two out of twenty six respondents. Only fifteen percent of the respondents which is four out of twenty six were females. Many female officers are attached to administrative duties, Victim Friendly Unit and the Community Relation Liaison Office
35 and a few are attached to investigations and operational duties this justifies why a smaller percentage of the respondents were females. Male respondents constituted a larger percentage because most of them are the ones who are directly affected by the challenges faced in policing stock theft hence they are in a better position to come up with better responses.
4.1.4 Educational qualifications
Educational Qualifications KEY Primary 12% 12% 4% ZJC 8% O' Level
A' Level 23% Degree Level 42% Other qualifications
Figure 3: Percentage distribution of respondents by qualification (n=26) Source: Primary Data
The findings in figure 3 above showed that the majority of the respondents that is forty two percent had a minimum of Ordinary level of education. This is so because Ordinary level is the entry requirement of the police. A’ level is considered as an aided advantage that is why there were only twenty three percent of them. Those who have attained degree level and other qualifications had just advanced themselves as the organisation encourages members to always advance themselves. That eight percent of those who have
36 attained degree level added to that four percent of those with other qualifications may help a lot as these help in coming up with sound strategies to curb the challenges faced in policing stock theft. They are also in a better position to deal with professional clients thereby rendering them a full measure of their services. Other cattle rustlers are as well highly educated hence it needs someone of like qualification to interrogate such type of suspect.
4.1.5 Period stayed by police officers at Mutawatawa Police Station
Period stayed by police officers at ZRP Mutawatawa
50% 50% 45% 40% 33% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 11% 10% 6%
Percent respondents of number Percent 5% 0% Below 2 years 2 - 4 years 5 - 6 years Over 6 years
Figure 4: Percentage distribution of police officers by period stayed at Mutawatawa police station (n = 18). Source: Primary Data
Fifty percent of the respondent has stayed at Mutawatawa police station for a period which is less than two years. Considering the policing area size, it is quite evidenced that
37 quite a large number of police officers are not yet quite conversant with the whole area. It is also quite difficulty for these police officers to have thoroughly studied and get used to the modus operandi of the cattle rustlers.
Thirty three percent of the respondents have stayed at Mutawatawa police station for a period between two years and four years an indication that the number of those police officers who have stayed a little bit at the station is quite low as compared to that of the new comers.
Eleven percent of the respondents have stayed for a period between five years and six years and only six percent have stayed for a period of over six years. These may be transferred at any given time as it is an organisational policy to transfer those who have over stayed. It is a drawback in that, these are the ones who are quite knowledgeable and with requisite skills and expertise on the investigations of stock theft cases. They are as well quite used to their area of policing as compared to those who have just stayed for less than two years.
38 4.2 Methods used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft.
Methods used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft
30% 27% 23% 25% 19% 19% 20% 15% 12% 10% 5% 0% Stock Cattle Anti-stock Stop and Monitoring Percentage respondents of number Percentage clearance branding theft Search of stock campaigns registers kept by butchery owners
Figure 5: Methods used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft as identified by respondents (n=26). Source: Primary data.
Nineteen percent of the respondents which is five out of twenty six cited stock clearance as a method which is being used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft. They reiterated that whenever any transaction involving stock had occurred, the police clear the stock using forms 392. Verifications are done making use of the locals and village heads for authenticity. This move has not been evidenced in the previous researches done in other countries.
Another nineteen percent of the respondents cited cattle branding as another method which is being used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft. Cattle branding aids the investigation process especially where there are disputes in terms of ownership as
39 every cattle owner will be having his or her own branding certificate bearing the personalized brand marks.
More so, twenty seven percent that is seven out of twenty six raised the issue of campaigns as being used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft. The respondents highlighted that the police are carrying out vigorous anti-stock theft campaigns, where the gospel of the formation of anti-stock theft crime committees is being preached. Through these campaigns, the community is also being encouraged to report stock theft cases early to avoid loss of track during the investigation process.
Additionally, twenty three percent that is six out of twenty six stated stop and searches as being used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft. This is being done to monitor the movement of stock. Night roadblocks had played a pivotal role in combating stock theft as it hinders cattle rustlers to drive cattle at free will.
Finally, twelve percent that is three out of twenty six reiterated the issue of monitoring of stock registers kept by butchery owners as another method used by ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft. The respondents advocated that strict monitoring of stock registers kept by butchery owners is being done. This is done to ensure that butcheries only slaughter livestock that had been cleared by the police. Those who are found on the wrong side of the law are dealt with accordingly.
40 4.3 Challenges faced by police officers at ZRP Mutawatawa in combating stock theft.
Challenges facing police officers 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Percentage respondents of number Percentage Lack of resources Members of the Late reporting Lake of expertise public fail to coorperate
Figure 6: Challenges faced by police in policing stock theft as identified by respondents. Source: Primary data
Ten participants giving a total of thirty nine percent propounded that lack of resources in police was the main challenge in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa police station. The participants suggested that police need enough resources such as vehicle, motor cycles, arctic carts and computers. They also advocated for lobbying the government to provide and stakeholders to spearhead the issue of donations to the police. The finding is in line with findings doe in London by Brand and Price (2000) which said that the budget must be split into resources that are crime related.
41 4.3.1 Resource establishment and strength. Table 4.3: Resource establishment and strength table. Variable Establishment Strength Shortfall Motor Vehicles 5 1 4 Motor cycles 3 - 3 Arctic carts (cycles) 2 - 2 Horses 4 - 4 Source: ZRP Mutawatawa 2014 Service plan document.
Table 4.3 clearly shows that the station is highly constrained in terms of resources. The only vehicle at station is to cover all the operational duties at the station.
Late reporting of stock theft cases was also highlighted by the respondents as a challenge faced by police in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa police station. This is evidenced by twenty seven percent that is seven out of twenty six of the respondents who advocated for awareness campaigns to be carried out encouraging the community to report early these stock theft cases so that the police are in a position to gather enough evidence whilst cases are still fresh. They can also be in a position of using the police dogs to track for scent well in time. Donnermeyer and Barclay (2005) in their study “The policing of farm crime”, also highlighted the same challenge as they stated that, the main challenge being faced by police on these crimes is that, farmers report late or do not report these crimes at all. They went on to cite the common reasons for late reporting and non-reporting of these crimes, such as the offence being too trivial to report or that there was little the police could do.
Nineteen percent (five out of twenty six) of the respondents concurred that the challenges faced by police in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa police station was lack of cooperation by members of the public. The respondents proposed that massive awareness campaigns need to be carried out encouraging members of the public to take an active participatory role whenever police are dealing with stock theft cases. This also
42 enables them to gather enough evidence which lead to the success of these cases whenever they are sent to court. This concurs with a study made by Anderson (1986) in Kenya, where he cited that, the unwillingness of the African public to assist in the prevention and detection of stock theft had long been interpreted as a tacit sanctioning of such theft, leading to the conclusion that, within the ‘moral economy’ of many African communities, stock theft was not thought of a crime at all.
Unwillingness to cooperate could be as a result of antagonism towards the police. Such antagonism is mainly the result of fear, embarrassment and rejection. People are sometimes afraid that the credibility of their evidence might be doubted. The inability to express themselves clearly and comprehensively is another reason why people are antagonistic (Marais and Van Rooyen 1990:100-101).
Respondents also cited lack of expertise as another challenge faced by police officers in policing stock theft. This was evidence by fifteen percent (four out of twenty six) of the respondents who raised this notion. Mutawatawa police station is a rural station and by such, many senior police officers are not interested in policing rural areas making them seeking for exchange transfers. The highest population of police officers at Mutawatawa is made up of those who are from depot who have a service of less than four years in the organisation and these lake requisite knowledge and expertise of policing stock theft crimes. Lack of expertise has not been cited by other researchers who were used on empirical evidence but for the case of Mutawatawa police station, it is one of the challenges which need to be addressed.
43 4.4 What are the factors hindering the effective investigation of crime of stock theft?
Factors hindering effective investigation of stock theft
KEY 12% Lack of training
38% Understaffing 19%
Complexity of the crime
Availability of ready market 31%
Figure 7: Factors hindering effective investigation of the crime of stock theft. Source: Primary data
Thirty eight percent of the respondents that is ten out of twenty six cited lack of suitable training as a factor which hinders the effective investigation of the crime of stock theft. Most members attached to the Station Anti Stock Theft unit lack requisite knowledge and skills of policing the crime of stock theft. They fail to gather enough evidence which secures conviction at court.
On the job training is vital as it improves on service delivery and quality of dockets produced thereby increasing the conviction rate. Gaines (1990) argues that laws are constantly changing, new departmental procedures are implemented, new expertise is needed,
44 old equipment is becoming absolute, and old skills always require reinforcement. As a new initiative, Station Anti Stock Theft unit must benefit from in-service training.
Another factor which was raised by respondents which hinders the effective investigation of a crime of stock theft in Mutawatawa area of policing is understaffing. This is evidenced by thirty one percent that is eight out of twenty six respondents who raised that notion. At Mutawatawa police station only four members are attached to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit and considering the station size it is quite strenuous to those members. Understaffing was also highlighted by Hubschle (2005) in his research conducted in Namibia, where he said that lack of human resources was one of the contributing factors to the dragging out of court cases.
4.4.1 Station manpower establishment, strength, shortfall and surplus. Table 4.4: Manpower distribution chart. Office Establishment Strength Short fall Surplus Anti-stock theft 08 05 03 00 Operations 16 10 06 00 CRLO 06 03 03 00 VFU 08 05 05 00 Admin 05 04 01 00 Crime 06 04 02 00 Charge office 16 10 06 00 PISI 10 08 02 00 Source: ZRP Mutawatawa 2014 Service plan document.
Table 4.4 shows that all the sections at Mutawatawa police station are under staffed. The Anti-Stock Theft Unit requires eight members but it has got five members creating a shortfall of three members.
45 Complexity of the crime is another factor which was raised by the respondents. This is evidenced by nineteen percent that is five out of twenty six who cited that notion. Members attached to the Anti- Stock Theft unit sometimes fail to detect most cases due to the complexities associated with the modus operandi used by the cattle rustlers. The time at which the offences are committed also make it difficult for detection as most of them are committed during the night. This is mostly similar to the findings by Anderson (1986) where the security forces in Kenya were very often hesitant to pursue cattle rustlers into their hideouts since they have learnt from experience that it might be suicidal. The rustlers organised joint cattle raiding operations, involving thousands of retainers, into Uganda, the Sudan and Ethiopia.
Twelve percent of the respondents that is three out of twenty six cited availability of a ready market where ready meat is sold to illegal gold panners who are scattered along Mazowe and Nyaguwe River as another hindering factor which affects the investigation of that crime of stock theft in Mutawatawa area. This decreases the detection rate as the stolen beasts will be quickly bought causing the police to lose track. Stock thieves start by scanning the environment and later pounce on to their targets. The previous studies made did not cited availability of a ready market as a hindering factor in policing stock theft.
46 4.5 What measures can be used to curb challenges of policing stock theft in Mutawatawa policing area?
Measures to curb challenges faced KEY Carryout some joint operations
Eradicate illegal gold panning 12% 15% activities 15% 12% Ensure availability of specialists
19% 27% Carryout vigorous anti-stock theft campaigns
Training
Imposition of stiffer penalties on stock theft offenders
Figure 8: Measures to curb challenges of policing stock theft in Mutawatawa policing area. Source: Primary data
Fifteen percent which is four out of twenty six of the respondents suggested that the police should carry out some joint operations with neighbouring stations such as Rushinga, Shamva and Mutoko and patrol along Mazowe and Nyadire river. Such patrols help in frustrating and tracking stock thieves, thereby clearing up the long wanted person list and making it difficult for cattle rustlers to evade law enforcement agents from all areas. Heavy police presence along the policing area boundaries could pay dividends. Regular tours of troublesome areas, along with increased patrols and raids in the marcher regions occupied by thieves are supported by Anderson (1986). He highlighted that,
47 towards the end of the 1930s, European police officers were making regular tours of troublesome areas, along with increased patrols.
Twelve percent that is three out of twenty six of the respondents advocated for the eradication of illegal gold panning activities. They argued that illegal panning of gold is strenuous work which can only be done by well-fed persons. Thus the continued existence of these activities entails the availability of a ready market for food, preferably sadza and stew; of which the panners spend heavily and pay any price for a meal. When eradicated, there will be no ready market for stolen cattle.
Nineteen percent (five out of twenty six) of the respondents held the view that police should ensure the availability of its specialist sections such as the Mounted Unit and the Dog Section. Police dogs make it easy for tracking and searching cattle rustlers provided they attend to the scene of stock theft well in time while scent is still fresh to pick up clues and before the scene have been disturbed. On the other hand Mounted unit comes handy in carrying out crime preventative patrols. More so, horses provide a cheap means of transport to investigating officers, can even maneuver in rugged terrain areas and make it easy to track spoors.
Twenty seven percent (seven out of twenty six) of the respondents suggested that police should carry out vigorous anti-stock theft campaigns, spreading the gospel of target hardening and removal techniques, collective cattle penning, cattle branding, early reporting of cases, making use of hot lines and WhatsApp platforms and formation of anti-stock theft crime committees. These campaigns should be used as vehicles for stock theft prevention tips and inducement of fear to would-be cattle rustlers.
48 To counter a challenge of lack of expertise, fifteen percent of the respondents suggested that there is need for training. Gaines (1990) argues that laws are constantly changing, new departmental procedures are implemented, new expertise is needed, old equipment is becoming absolute, and old skills always require reinforcement. As a new initiative, Station Anti Stock Theft unit must benefit from in-service training. This will ensure that members of the unit have knowledge and skills that are at par with the current criminal trends and modus operandi of those who are involved in cattle rustling.
Most Station Anti Stock Theft unit members are new police officers coming from other stations and from depot and as such they do not have experience in dealing with criminals and handling investigations in stock theft cases and they are also not conversant with the area. They are still in the process of learning police work and Station Anti Stock Theft unit tasks.
Finally, twelve percent of the respondents suggested for a stiffer penalty to be imposed on convicted stock theft offenders so as to send a good message to the community thereby deterring the would be offenders. Severe punishments against stock thieves and collective punishment remained a viable threat to prevent local communities assisting thieves as supported by Anderson (1986).
4.6 Summary This chapter dealt with data analysis and discussions based on findings on challenges of policing stock theft. The study also included statements that came directly from individual participant’s interviews as well as those from questionnaire responses. The next chapter provides conclusions and recommendations of the researcher.
49 CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction The chapter summarises the research finding, draw conclusions and draw possible recommendations. The recommendations will be given to the Zimbabwe Republic Police for possible solutions in curbing challenges faced in policing the crime of stock theft.
5.1 Summary of findings The study aimed at finding the challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft. Stock theft is a crime of concern in Zimbabwe. This study was carried to find out the challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa police station, from 2012 to 2014. The study was guided by the following objectives; to examine the methods used by Mutawatawa police in combating stock theft, to establish the challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft in Mutawatawa policing area and to determine measures that can be used to combat stock theft in Mutawatawa policing area.
The descriptive survey methodology was used in this study. A sample of size of twenty eight participants was used. The sample comprised of twenty police officers, six victims of stock theft and two other stakeholders who are the Magistrate and the Public Prosecutor. All the subjects in the sample were drawn from Mutawatawa area of policing. They were all selected using the simple random method, which gave every element in the target population an equal chance of being selected into the sample.
50 The findings were that police officers face challenges in policing the crime of stock theft at Mutawatawa. The major challenges were revealed by the respondents as follows;
Thirty nine percent (ten out of twenty six) propounded that lack of resources in police was the main challenge in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa police station.
Twenty seven percent (seven out of twenty six) of the respondents concurred that late reporting of stock theft cases was also a challenge faced by police in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa police station.
Nineteen percent (five out of twenty six) of the respondents concurred that the challenges faced by police in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa police station was lack of cooperation by members of the public.
Fifteen percent (four out of twenty six) of the respondents cited lack of expertise as another challenge faced by police officers in policing stock theft at Mutawatawa police station.
5.2 Conclusions The following conclusions, based on the objectives and findings of the study, were made:- The study revealed that ZRP Mutawatawa was using stock clearance, stop and searches, anti-stock theft campaigns, monitoring of stock registers kept by butchery owners and branding as methods of combating stock theft. Some of the methods were discovered and these are, carrying out of joint operations, eradication of illegal gold panning activities, ensure availability of specialists, training and imposition of stiffer penalty on convicted stock theft offenders.
51 More so there were some challenges which were noted which police officers faced in policing the crime of stock theft at Mutawatawa. These challenges came in the form of resource constraints, lack of cooperation by members of the public, late reporting and lack of expertise. In addition to that, there were some factors which hindered the effective investigation of the crime of stock theft and these were lack of training, understaffing, complexity of the crime and availability of a ready market.
The economic hardship in the country is revealed as the major contributing factor towards the challenges faced by the police in policing stock theft. This implies that the challenges faced were determined by the economic situation in the country. The government had no enough finance to provide enough resources which enable the easy policing of the crime of stock theft.
5.3 Recommendations Based on the findings and in view of the conclusions made, the following recommendations were made:- The study recommends that an all-encompassing inter agency approach involving stakeholders such at the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Department of Veterinary Services, Farmers Unions, Ministry of Justice officials, Butchery owners and the community at large should work together and assist each other the policing of the crime of stock theft.
The study revealed that the most livestock lost to stock thieves who sold their loot to illegal gold panners. It is hereby recommended that the Ministry of Mines be approached with a view to leasing the mining fields to reputable mining companies who would then engage in mining on a commercial basis rather than the current state of affairs where illegal panning is taking place.
52 5.4 Implications for future researcher The study was confined to Mutawatawa police station only at the expense of all other police stations in the country. This was due to constraints in financial and time resources. The future study could focus on all police stations in the country so as to confirm if the same challenges faced by police officers in policing stock theft existed. Additional research efforts should also be made to confirm or disprove conclusions and findings of the study.
53 REFERENCES
Anderson, D., 1986. Stock Theft and Moral Economy in Colonial Kenya. Africa: Journal of the International African Institute. Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.or/stable/1159997 on 31/10/14.
Barbie, F.R., 2007. The Practice of Social Research, Belmont Publishing, London.
Betts, P.W., 1993. Supervisory Management, (6th Ed), London, Pitman.
Bordens, K. S., and Abbott, B. B., 2014. Research design and methods: A process approach (9th Ed). San Francisco: McGraw Hill.
Brand, S., and Price, R., 2000. The Economic and Social Costs of Crime, London, United Kingdom.
Clinard, M.B., and Abbort, D.J., 1973. Crime In Developing Countries, A Comparative Perspective, Wiley Interscience, London.
Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9; 23, Government Printer, Harare.
Cutshall, C., R., and McCold, P., E., 1982. Patterns of Stock Theft Victimisation and Formal Response Strategies among the Law of Zambia. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net/publication/RoMEO on 24/05/15.
Donnermeyer, J., and Barclay, F., 2005. The Policing of Farm Crime, Police Practice and Research: An International Journal. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/gppr20 on 22/04/15
Gaines, L., 1990. Police Administration, (3rd Ed), Newyork: Mcgraw-Hill.
54 Gard, W., 2010. “CATTLE RUSTLING,” Handbook of Texas. Retrieved from http://www.tshaonline.org/ handbook/online articles/jbc01 on 01/04/15.
Glanz, L., 1993. Managing Crime in the New South Africa, HSRC, Pretoria.
Hubschle, A., 2005. Organised Crime in Southern Africa, Max Planck Institute, Windhoek.
Madhuku, L., 2010. An Introduction to Zimbabwean Law, Weaver Press, Harare.
Marais, C. W., and Van Rooyen, H.J.N., 1990. Physical Evidence in Crime, Henmae Publication, Cape Town.
New Vision of Uganda, 1990.
Oppenheim, A., 2000. Questionnaire design, interviewing and attitude measurement, (1st Ed). Continuum International, London.
Poyner, B., 1983. Design against crime: Beyond defensible space, (15th Ed). London: Butterworths, Chicago.
Remenyi, D., 1998. Doing Research in Business and Management: An Introduction to Process and Methods, Sage Publications: London.
Robson, C., 2002. Real World Research, (2nd Ed). Oxford, Blackwell, United States.
Rubin, H.J., and Rubins, J.S., 1995. Qualitative interviewing, the art of hearing data, Thousang Oaks, Sage Publications, London.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A., 2007. Research Methods for Business Studies, (4th Ed), Prentice-Hall, New Delhi.
55 Stock Theft Act, Chapter 9; 18. Print flow, Harare.
Stoner, J. A., 1993. Management, (5th Ed). Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.
Van Heerden T.J., 1986. Introduction to Police Science, University of South Africa, Pretoria.
Whisenand, P.M., 2001. Supervising Police Personnel: The fifteen responsibilities, (4th Ed). Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Anti Stock Theft strategy.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Crime Strategy.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Mutawatawa, 2014. Service Plan Document.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Strategic Plan Vision 2020 document.
Zimbabwe Republic Police, 1999. The Outpost Magazine: Zimbabwe Republic Police: Jongwe Printing and Publishers.
Zimbabwe Republic Police, 2006. The Outpost Magazine: Zimbabwe Republic Police: Jongwe Printing and Publishers.
Zimbabwe Republic Police, 2014. The Outpost Magazine: Zimbabwe Republic Police: Jongwe Printing and Publishers.
Zimbabwean Constitution Amendment Number 20 Act of 2013. Print flow, Harare.
Zyl, V., I., 2008. Participatory Reaction: Reflecting on a Design-Based Research Approach, Cape Peninsula, University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
56 APPENDIX ‘A’
QUESTIONNAIRE TO POLICE OFFICERS
I, Makanda L. Lloyd, am Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Police and Security Studies student with Bindura University of Science Education. As part for requirements for this programme, I am expected to undertake a research study and my topic is:-
“Challenges faced by Police officers in policing stock theft, a case study of Zimbabwe Republic Police Mutawatawa, Mashonaland East Province, 2012 to 2014”.
I am therefore, kindly requesting you to assist by completing the questionnaire as fully as truthfully as possible. All the information you shall provide shall be treated with utmost confidentiality. Therefore, no name or form of identity shall appear on the questionnaire.
I wish to thank you in advance for your co-operation and assistance in this regard.
INSTRUCTIONS
Please kindly complete the questionnaire by ticking the appropriate box or writing in the space provided where the question so requires. Where open-ended questions are used, please make use of short and precise answers. After completing the questionnaire, you may kindly hold on to it as your station’s Community Relation Liaison Officer will come and collect it.
Please answer all questions. Do not write your name on any part of the questionnaire.
57 SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS Indicate your answer by means of a tick in the space provided.
1. Age
[a] 18-25 ______[b] 26-33 ______[c] 34-41 ______[d] 42-49 ______[e] 50 and above ______
2. Sex
[a] Male ______[b] Female ______
3. Marital status
[a] Single ______[b] Married ______[c] Divorced ______[d] Separated ______[e] Widow ______[f] Widower ______
4. What is your level of education?
[a] Primary ______[b] Z.J.C ______[c] “O” Level ______[d] “A” Level ______[e] Degree Level ______[f] Other (specify)______
58 SECTION B: WORK-RELATED MATTERS
5. For how long have you served the police force at Mutawatawa Police Station?
[a] Below 2 years ______[b] 2 years to 4 years ______[c] 5 years to 6 years ______[d] Over 6 years ______
6. Have you ever received a report of stock theft while either manning the Charge Office or on patrol?
8 (a) While manning the Charge Office or on patrol, was there once any member of the public who came to report stray animal(s) among his or her herd?
8 (b) What action was taken upon the receipt of such report(s)?
9. What are the methods you use in combating stock theft in your area of policing?
10. What constraints do you encounter in your station’s endeavors to curb the crime of stock theft in your policing area?
11. What could be the best actions(s) to counteract the above constraints?
12 (a) Since the formation of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, has there been an increase or decrease of stock theft cases in your policing area?
12 (b) What factors might have contributed to the increase or decrease of stock theft cases in your policing area?
END I thank you once again for answering.
59 APPENDIX ‘B’
QUESTIONNAIRE TO VICTIMS OF STOCK THEFT
I, Makanda L. Lloyd, am Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Police and Security Studies student with Bindura University of Science Education. As part for requirements for this programme, I am expected to undertake a research study and my topic is:-
“Challenges faced by Police officers in policing stock theft, a case study of Zimbabwe Republic Police Mutawatawa, Mashonaland East Province, 2012 to 2014”.
I am therefore, kindly requesting you to assist by completing the questionnaire as fully as truthfully as possible. All the information you shall provide shall be treated with utmost confidentiality. Therefore, no name or form of identity shall appear on the questionnaire.
I wish to thank you in advance for your co-operation and assistance in this regard.
INSTRUCTIONS
Please kindly complete the questionnaire by ticking the appropriate box or writing in the space provided where the question so requires. Where open-ended questions are used, please make use of short and precise answers. After completing the questionnaire, you may kindly hold on to it as your station’s Community Relation Liaison Officer will come and collect it.
Please answer all questions. Do not write your name on any part of the questionnaire.
60 SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS Indicate your answer by means of a tick in the space provided.
1. Age
[a] 18-25 ______[b] 26-33 ______[c] 34-41 ______[d] 42-49 ______[e] 50 and above ______
2. Sex
[a] Male ______[b] Female ______
3. Marital status
[a] Single ______[b] Married ______[c] Divorced ______[d] Separated ______[e] Widow ______[f] Widower ______
4. What is your level of education?
[a] Primary ______[b] Z.J.C ______[c] “O” Level ______[d] “A” Level ______[e] Degree Level ______[f] Other (specify)______
61 SECTION B: INFORMATION ON CRIME OF STOCK THEFT
5. How many cattle do you keep?
[a] 0 - 5 ______[b] 6 - 10 ______[c] 11 - 15 ______[d] 16 - 20 ______[e] 21 and above ______6. How do you cater for your cattle? [a] I employ a herd boy who looks after them ______[b] I drive them to grazing lands ______7. If your answer to question (6) above is [b], how often do you check on them? [a] Daily ______[b] Three times per week_____ [c] Once per week______[d] Once per month______[d] Any other, please specify…………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………. 8. How many of your cattle were stolen per year since year 2012 to 2014. [a] 2012 ______[b] 2013 ______[c] 2014 ______[d] If you do not recall them by numbers, please say so ______9. How many of your cattle were recovered? [a] 2012 ______[b] 2013 ______[c] 2014 ______10. (i) Did you recover them through the help of the police? [a] Yes ______[b] No ______(ii) If your answer to question 11 (i) above is no, please specify how they were recovered.
62 11. (i) Taking you back to the 1990s and just before independence, how is the trend of stock theft like? [a] Going down ______[b] Going up ______[c] Static ______[d] Any other ______(ii) What do you think has contributed to this trend?......
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………… 12. From your own knowledge, what is the ZRP doing in an effort to combat stock theft in your area?......
…………………………………………………………………………………… 13. (i) Do you feel there is more that the police can do in that regard? [a] Yes ______[b] No ______(ii) If yes, please specify…………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………… 14. (i) Do you have any complaints against the police in the way they handle stock theft cases? [a] Yes ______[b] No ______(ii) If yes, please specify………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………
END I thank you once again for answering.
63 APPENDIX ‘C’
QUESTIONNAIRE TO THE MAGISTRATE
I, Makanda L. Lloyd, am Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Police and Security Studies student with Bindura University of Science Education. As part for requirements for this programme, I am expected to undertake a research study and my topic is:-
“Challenges faced by Police officers in policing stock theft, a case study of Zimbabwe Republic Police Mutawatawa, Mashonaland East Province, 2012 to 2014”.
I am therefore, kindly requesting you to assist by completing the questionnaire as fully as truthfully as possible. All the information you shall provide shall be treated with utmost confidentiality. Therefore, no name or form of identity shall appear on the questionnaire.
I wish to thank you in advance for your co-operation and assistance in this regard.
INSTRUCTIONS
Please kindly complete the questionnaire by ticking the appropriate box or writing in the space provided where the question so requires. Where open-ended questions are used, please make use of short and precise answers. After completing the questionnaire, you may kindly hold on to it as your station’s Community Relation Liaison Officer will come and collect it.
Please answer all questions. Do not write your name on any part of the questionnaire.
64 SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS Indicate your answer by means of a tick in the space provided.
1. Age
[a] 18-25 ______[b] 26-33 ______[c] 34-41 ______[d] 42-49 ______[e] 50 and above ______
2. Sex [a] Male ______[b] Female ______
3. Marital status [a] Single ______[b] Married ______[c] Divorced ______[d] Separated ______[e] Widow ______[f] Widower ______
4. What is your level of education? [a] Primary ______[b] Z.J.C ______[c] “O” Level ______[d] “A” Level ______[e] Degree Level ______[f] Other (specify)______
65 SECTION B: WORK-RELATED MATTERS
5. For how long have you served at Mutawatawa Magistrate Court? [a] Below 2 years ______[b] 2 years to 4 years ______[c] 5 years to 6 years ______[d] Over 6 years ______
6. Have you ever presided over a case of stock theft? [a] Yes ______[b] No ______7 (a) If your answer to question 6 above is “yes” how many cases were successfully convicted?
8 What are the challenges which are being faced by police officers in compilation of stock theft docket?
9 What are the factors hindering the effective enforcement of investigation of the crime of stock theft?
10 What measure do the police put in place in trying to mitigate the challenges they face in policing stock theft?
11 What challenges do you face when presiding over Stock Theft cases?
END I thank you once again for answering.
66 APPENDIX ‘D’
QUESTIONNAIRE TO PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
I, Makanda L. Lloyd, am Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Police and Security Studies student with Bindura University of Science Education. As part for requirements for this programme, I am expected to undertake a research study and my topic is:-
“Challenges faced by Police officers in policing stock theft, a case study of Zimbabwe Republic Police Mutawatawa, Mashonaland East Province, 2012 to 2014”.
I am therefore, kindly requesting you to assist by completing the questionnaire as fully as truthfully as possible. All the information you shall provide shall be treated with utmost confidentiality. Therefore, no name or form of identity shall appear on the questionnaire.
I wish to thank you in advance for your co-operation and assistance in this regard.
INSTRUCTIONS
Please kindly complete the questionnaire by ticking the appropriate box or writing in the space provided where the question so requires. Where open-ended questions are used, please make use of short and precise answers. After completing the questionnaire, you may kindly hold on to it as your station’s Community Relation Liaison Officer will come and collect it.
Please answer all questions. Do not write your name on any part of the questionnaire.
67 SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS Indicate your answer by means of a tick in the space provided.
1. Age [a] 18-25 ______[b] 26-33 ______[c] 34-41 ______[d] 42-49 ______[e] 50 and above ______
2. Sex [a] Male ______[b] Female ______
3. Marital status [a] Single ______[b] Married ______[c] Divorced ______[d] Separated ______[e] Widow ______[f] Widower ______
4. What is your level of education? [a] Primary ______[b] Z.J.C ______[c] “O” Level ______[d] “A” Level ______[e] Degree Level ______[f] Other (specify)______
68 SECTION B: WORK-RELATED MATTERS
5. For how long have you served at Mutawatawa Magistrate Court? [a] Below 2 years ______[b] 2 years to 4 years ______[c] 5 years to 6 years ______[d] Over 6 years ______
6. How many cases of stock theft have you prosecuted per year during year 2012 and 2014?
[a] 2012 ______[b] 2013 ______[c] 2014 ______
7. Of those cases listed above, how many of them were a successful?
[a] 2012 ______[b] 2013 ______[c] 2014 ______8. If there are some cases which did not succeeded what were the factors leading to their failure?
9. What constraints do the police encounter in an endeavor to curb the crime of stock theft in Mutawatawa policing area?
10. What could be the best actions(s) to counteract the above constraints?
11. What challenges do you face when prosecuting Stock Theft cases?
END I thank you once again for answering.
69 APPENDIX “E”
AN INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR MUTAWATAWA STATION ANTI-STOCK THEFT CO-ORDINATOR INTERVIEW GUIDE OPENING INTEVIEW
1. Start the interview by introducing self. 2. Thank the participant for agreeing to participate in the interview. 3. Highlight the purpose of the research to the participant. 4. Notify the participant of the right to confidentiality and anonymity. 5. Inform the participant of the right not to answer any question.
1. How long have you been under the Anti-Stock Theft Unit?______
______
2. What factors led to the formation of your Unit?______
3. What is your staff compliment?______
______
4. What category of stock theft cases do you respond to?______
______
5. What methods do you use in combating stock theft in your area of policing?_____
70 ______
6. How successful is the Unit in tracking cattle rustlers?______
______
7. Where the results are not positive, what are the contributing factors for lack of positive results?______
______
8. Are your operations known by other departments in the police organisation?____
9. How many bases do you cover?______
______
10. What problems do you face from bases, that affect your effectiveness?______
______
11. What could be done to improve the Anti-Stock Theft Unit’s operations?______
______
END Thank you for participating in this interview.
71 APPENDIX “F” AN INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR MUTAWATAWA RESIDENT MAGISTRATE INTERVIEW GUIDE OPENING INTEVIEW
1. Start the interview by introducing self. 2. Thank the participant for agreeing to participate in the interview. 3. Highlight the purpose of the research to the participant. 4. Notify the participant of the right to confidentiality and anonymity. 5. Inform the participant of the right not to answer any question.
1. How long have you been the Resident Magistrate at Mutawatawa magistrate court? ______
2. What factors led to the inclusion of stock theft in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9; 23 ?______
3. What methods are used by the police at Mutawatawa to combat stock theft? ______
4. What are the challenges faced by police officers in compilation of stock theft dockets? ______
72 ______
5. What measures do the police employ in a bid to mitigate those challenges? ______6. What are the factors hindering the effective enforcement of investigation of crime of stock theft? ______
END Thank you for participating in this interview.
73 APPENDIX “G” AN INTERVIEW SCHEDULE FOR THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR INTERVIEW GUIDE OPENING INTEVIEW
1. Start the interview by introducing self. 2. Thank the participant for agreeing to participate in the interview. 3. Highlight the purpose of the research to the participant. 4. Notify the participant of the right to confidentiality and anonymity. 5. Inform the participant of the right not to answer any question.
1. How long have you been the Public Prosecutor at Mutawatawa magistrate court? ______
2. What factors led to the inclusion of stock theft in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9; 23 ?______
3. What are the methods used by ZRP Mutawatawa to combat stock theft?______
______
4. What are the challenges faced by police officers in compilation of stock theft dockets? ______
5. What measures do the police employ in a bid to mitigate those challenges? ______
74 ______6. What are the factors hindering the effective enforcement of investigation of crime of stock theft? ______
END Thank you for participating in this interview.
75 APPENDIX H: BUSE Approval letter
76 APPENDIX I: Z.R.P Approval letter
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