Family factors contributing to high school crime at Nzhelele East Circuit, Vhembe District

Abstract

Crime in high schools has become a major concern all over the world. High schools in Nzhelele East Circuit, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa also experience waves of youth crime perpetrated by learners. The aim of this study was to explore family factors which contribute to youth crime amongst learners in high schools in Nzhelele East Circuit. Three high schools (i.e. Mushaathoni, Nndweleni and Mphephu) known for high rate of crime were selected. Quantitative research approach was used. Survey questionnaires were administered among learners in order to collect quantitative data. Stratified random sampling was used to survey 40 grade 10 and 40 grade 11 learners from each of the three high schools. In total, 240 learners participated in this study. Data was analyzed using the SPSS instrument. Appropriate ethical principals were applied to ensure that research participants were not harmed. The study found that youth crime in high schools was attributed to family factors such as absence of parents, poor parenting style, abuse and domestic violence, poverty, divorce, single parenting and family size. The study recommended the need for a multi-pronged strategy through mobilization of relevant stakeholders (families, community leaders, education authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant government department to curb youth crime in high schools. Key words: Crime, Learners, Bullying; Offenders; Victims; Violence; Youth crime, High school