Police Methods and Challenges in the Utilisation of Technology to Combat Carjacking in Selected Police Precincts in the Gauteng Province of South Africa

Police Methods and Challenges in the Utilisation of Technology to Combat Carjacking in Selected Police Precincts in the Gauteng Province of South Africa

Rescar Nyiko Chauke & Hendrick Puleng Motlalekgosi

Issue: Vol.6 No.14 Article 4 pp.3698 – 3714
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561422 | Published online 30th December, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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ABSTRACT

The pervasive influence of technology is evident across various facets of contemporary life. Within the realm of criminology, its impact is particularly notable in law enforcement and investigative procedures. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of technological interventions in addressing carjacking in South Africa remains uncertain, as evidenced by the persistent upward trend in carjacking incidents. This study thus explored police methods and the challenges associated with the utilisation of technology in combating carjacking in selected policing precincts in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The research methodology employed a qualitative approach and utilised semi-structured interviews for data collection. Research participants were drawn from selected police precincts throughout Gauteng, namely Johannesburg Central, Hillbrow, and Alexandra. The sampling strategy adhered to a non-probability framework, with participants chosen through purposive selection. The study found that various types of technological methods, systems, and devices were utilised by the police; nevertheless, several challenges exist that affect their effective utilisation. The study recommends the establishment of a crime prevention information, communication, and technology division in the South African Police Service (SAPS), among other suggestions. State the contribution of this study to scholarship.

Keywords: Carjacking, Technology, Crime, Gauteng

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ABOUT AUTHOR(S)

Dr Rescar Nyiko Chauke is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over ten years of policing experience at the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD). His career has been distinguished by a strong commitment to crime prevention, operational effectiveness, and the integration of research-informed practices within contemporary policing. Dr Chauke holds a Doctor of Policing degree from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where his academic work focused on advancing evidence-based approaches to law enforcement. His research specialisation lies in the use of innovative technologies by the police to combat motor vehicle–related crimes, including offences such as vehicle theft, carjacking, and related organised criminal activities. Through this research focus, he contributes to strengthening policing strategies that leverage technology to enhance detection, prevention, and investigative capacity. Blending practical policing experience with advanced academic scholarship, Dr Chauke’s work reflects a strong interest in bridging the gap between theory and practice. He continues to contribute to the field of policing through applied research, professional engagement, and the promotion of technological innovation as a key component in addressing complex crime trends

Dr Puleng Motlalekgosi is a Programme Co-ordinator and Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Humanities at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), South Africa, with 25 years of teaching experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Penology from the University of South Africa and serves on both the Departmental Committee for Research and Innovation and the Faculty Committee for Teaching and Learning. He is also an active member of the Criminological Society of Africa and an Editorial Board member of the International Journal of Forensic Sciences. Dr. Motlalekgosi’s excellence in teaching has been recognised through multiple awards, including the Lecturer of the Year award in the Faculty of Humanities in 2012 and the 2nd runner-up position for the same award in 2018. His research interests span the Criminal Justice System, with a particular focus on correctional services and policing. In correctional services, his work explores prisoners’ rights, prison security, parole management, and prison unit management. In policing, his interests include the use of technology in policing, organised crime, and community policing.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Chauke, Rescar Nyiko, and Hendrick Puleng Motlalekgosi.“Police Methods and Challenges in the Utilisation of Technology to Combat Carjacking in Selected Police Precincts in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 14 (2025): 3698 – 3714, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561422