Exploring investigative challenges of fraud cases by the general detectives in the Eastern Cape province

Abstract

This study reports on the exploration of investigative challenges of fraud cases by the General Detectives in the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher used a qualitative descriptive phenomenological research design to address the research objective of the study, as the qualitative method enables the researcher to explore and describe the study phenomenon. Data were collected from eight SAPS General Detectives who are dealing with fraud cases in Commercial Crime Unit, East London in the Eastern Cape Province. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method of data analysis. The following five superordinate themes emerged from data analysis: a) Fraud detection methods, b) Leading sources of fraud, c) Impact of fraud, d) Consequences of fraud and e) Investigative challenges of fraud detection). These themes were discussed in relation to existing literature. Recommendations were made based on the findings to provide strategies that could be utilized to detect fraud and for future research.