Social Factors Influencing Crime – Armed Robbery – In Windhoek From 1997 - 2000

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at investigating the relationship between social factors and crime (armed robbery) in Windhoek from 1997-2000. More specifically it aimed at investigating ways socio-demographic and socio-economic factors such as age, sex, residential area, employment, education, etc influence armed robbery in Windhoek.

This study also reviewed literature and relevant biological, psychological and sociological theories pertinent to crime and armed robbery.

The study used qualitative and quantitative methods. About 243 police dockets on armed robbery provided quantitative data, while 20 key informant interviews with law enforcement and administration of justice officers provided the qualitative data. Among the major findings were: ethnicity and crime (armed robbery) are not significantly related. Pearson correlations showed very weak relationship r = 0.108; P ≥ 0.05. Key informant and the literature (e.g. Mann, 1993) also pointed out that one does not need to belong to any particular ethnic group to commit a crime, but that crime was a colorless phenomenon.

vii

There was a significant relationship between age and armed robbery (r = 0.015; P ≤ 0.05). Key informants also indicated that age was a real factor as most robbers were young people in the range of 18 - 30

years of age. The research results also found that employment was not a strong influence on armed robbery in Windhoek (r = 0.12; P≥ 0.05). As a matter of fact cross tabulations revealed that the least educated (those with less than secondary school education) and the very educated (post secondary school graduates) were less involved in armed robbery. Most robbers were secondary school leavers who have either dropped out of school from Grade 8 or have passed Grade 12 but cannot find a job or be admitted to any learning institution. The results showed a strong connection between residential area and crime (r = 0.216; P≤ 01). Area of residence in this case really a proxy for poverty as people who commit most armed robberies are from poorer areas. The study also showed that males committed all the robberies in Windhoek. The study results revealed foreigners were less involved in armed robbery in Windhoek.