A criminological exploration of cyber stalking in South Africa

Abstract

The introduction of cyber technology, accompanied by its fast developing nature, has not only resulted in numerous advantages to its user and society as a whole but has also produced harmful consequences specifically impacting on cyber crime. One of these harmful effects is cyber stalking. Cyber stalking is the use of the Internet or any electronic medium to stalk, harass and pursue victims. This unwanted perusal has various negative implications for the victim, as cyber stalking can disrupt many aspects of an individual’s lifestyle. In this study, the occurrence, nature and the impact of cyber stalking among the victims of cyber stalking were explored. Additionally, protective measures available to victims of cyber stalking were examined as a way to facilitate the operational efficiency of related legislation. This was done through determining the occurrence, nature and the impact of cyber stalking as well as the extent of the usage of social networks in the commission of cyber stalking. Legislation specific to South Africa and the effectiveness of such legislation were examined. The study implemented a qualitative approach. Twelve research participants who met the requirements of the study were selected by means of purposive and snowball sampling methods. The study was publicised on the Internet through current popular social network sites. In conjunction to the cyber theme of the study, the research participants were requested to complete an online e-mail interview to share their personal cyber stalking victimisation experiences. Within the constraints of the e-mail interview, a semi-structured interview schedule was incorporated in order to guide the research participants in sharing their cyber stalking victimisation experiences. The findings of the study were extensive; ranging from emerged patterns to unique and exclusive experiences. In brief, the study concludes that cyber stalking is occurring in South Africa, its nature and impact is complex and although there are many common themes within cyber stalking, it is uniquely situated to individual cyber stalking incident(s). Although there is no current South African legislation specifically aimed at addressing cyber stalking, South African legislation comprehensively deals with addressing the problem of cyber stalking within various related legislation. It was determined that although cyber stalking is effectively addressed in the drafting of legislation, it is ineffectively administered at grass roots level, where the police act as the gatekeepers and vital role players in the reporting and intervention of crime. Based upon the findings, as guided by the aims and objectives of the study, recommendations for the prevention and intervention of cyber stalking as well as recommendations for future research were made. As derived from the research participants’ responses as well as from current literature, recommendations focused on all victims of cyber stalking while specifically paying attention to young victims and victims who are business users. Recommendations were also made to assist in dealing with cyber stalking as well as recommendations aimed at assisting professional role players. In the final chapter of the study, emphasis is placed on awareness and educational campaigns aimed at informing the cyber community of cyber stalking.