The case of the third national femicide study:

Lessons learnt from undertaking research with SAPS during Covid

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3108/2024/vn73a15266

Abstract

Collecting South African Police Service’s (SAPS) data is critical for femicide research in South Africa. This paper outlines lessons learnt from interviews with SAPS officials during the COVID-19 pandemic to collect data for the third national femicide study. This paper is based on the shared experiences of the research team, particularly the fieldworkers, and provides insight into undertaking research with the SAPS. It guides researchers, especially those planning to conduct researcher-administered questionnaires with SAPS officials. This paper also provides insight into the complexities and sheds light on the intricacies behind the hierarchical structure of the SAPS. It further suggests ways to improve both face-to-face and telephonic data collection and strategies to reduce missing data. The paper also highlights the need to be flexible and creative in devising strategies to overcome challenges. Finally, the paper addresses the various methods used to resolve challenges and enable the project to collect the best quality data with the least disruption to the services provided by SAPS officials. 

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Author Biographies

  • Tirhani Manganyi, UN Women

    Tirhani Manganyi is the UN Women Programme Coordination Consultant for Generation Equality's Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence. 

  • Asiphe Ketelo, South African Medical Research Council

    Asiphe Ketelo is a research coordinator in the Gender and Health Research Unit at The South African Medical Research Council. 

  • Tholsie Gounden, South African Medical Research Council

    Tholsie Gounden is a senior research technologist in the Gender and Health Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council.

  • Mpumelelo Mabhida, South African Medical Research Council.

    Mpumelelo Mabhida is a retention counsellor in the Gender and Health Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council. 

  • Thobeka Majola, South African Medical Research Council

    Thobeka Majola is a recruiter/research assistant in the Gender and Health Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council.

  • Tarique Variava, Independent Practitioner

    Tarique Variava is an independent practice research psychologist.

  • Shibe Mhlongo, South African Medical Research Council

    Shibe Mhlongo is a statistician in the Gender and Health Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council.

  • Naeemah Abrahams, South African Medical Research Council

    Naeemah Abrahams is the Director of the Gender and Health Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council. 

  • Bianca Dekel, South African Medical Research Council

    Bianca Dekel is employed with the Gender and Health Research Unit at The South African Medical Research Council. 

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Published

2024-06-01

Issue

No. 73 (2024): No. 73: SACQ 2024

Section

Research articles

License

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