An exploration of modus operandi as an investigative technique in ritual murders in the Vhembe District, South Africa
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Authors
Zikhayi, Precious Tintshwalo
Issue Date
2025
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Murder , Ritualistic murder , Modus Operandi , Investigative technique , SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Alternative Title
Abstract
South Africa is known for its high levels of crime where perpetuation of violence is a factor behind many forms of crime in the country. Law enforcement agencies are grappling to contain murder. Ritualistic murder is one of many forms of murder incidents which is under reported. Moreover, this murder is not committed spontaneously but carefully planned which can be attributed to its motive and uniqueness of its execution. This type of murder is common to Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. Thus, the Vhembe District is the chosen geographic area for the study.
Studies prove that ritualistic murder is a centuries old phenomenon. However, little is known about this type of murder. The scarcity of ritualist murder knowledge makes it one of the crimes which is hard to solve and many incidents end with only the report of a missing person who is never found and as such the crime incident remains unresolved. The modus operandi (MO) of ritualistic murder was explored as a technique or key hint to the investigation of the crime. The study had been conducted by following a qualitative research approach. Data was collected empirically with semi- structured interviews as tools utilised to gather data. Literature was also explored on the research topic with a focus on local, other African and international countries.
Sources of data consulted for this study is from the people and community which has the first-hand experience of the scourge of ritualistic murder. Hence, participants were selected using judgemental sampling. After all efforts and application of scientific methods chosen for the study, it was established that ritualistic murder as a phenomenon is a reality both locally and internationally. Exploration of the MO has revealed that ritualistic murder is a crime committed in an organised manner. Multiple methods and motives for picking specific victims were found to be an interesting part of the MO for this crime. The exploration of the MO resulted in recommending various critical hints with the potential to resolve the crime including among others; close relatives and friends of the victim, telecommunications service provider, use of digital investigative analysis, use of various scientific professionals such as Entomologists, Pathologists, Odontologists and more.