Abstract:
High school crime has become a major problem all over the world including South Africa. The
aim of this study was to explore the nature, causes and effects of youth crime amongst learners in
high schools in Nzhelele East Circuit. Three high schools known for high crime rate were
purposefully selected. A mixed method approach was adopted. Focus groups were conducted
among the Life Orientation teachers in the selected schools to collect qualitative data, and
questionnaires were administered to learners to collect quantitative data. Purposive sampling was
used to sample Life Orientation teachers for the focus groups. Stratified random sampling was
used to survey 40 grade 10 and 40 grade 11 learners from each of the three high schools (240
learners). Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and the quantitative data was analyzed using
descriptive statistics methods. Consequently, the results from the two methods were compared and
triangulated. Ethical precautionary measures were taken to avoid harm to the research participants.
The study found that a variety of family, economic and environmental factors contribute to crime
in schools. Findings of this study assist the teachers, learners, parents and the Department of
Education authorities in the Vhembe District to gain a better understanding of the nature, causes
and effects of crime among high school learners. Only a multi-pronged strategy can be effective
in overcoming crime which is plaguing many high schools in South Africa.
