The Nexus between Illegal Immigration and Crime: Public Attitude in the South African Context

Tshimangadzo oscar magadze

doi:10.25159/2663-6549/19875

Authors

Tshimangadzo oscar magadze University of South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1069-8583

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-6549/19875

Keywords:

attitude, crime, illegal, immigration, public

Abstract

The perceived nexus between illegal immigration and crime in South Africa remains a contentious public discourse. Social media narratives often amplify this relationship by disproportionately associating immigrants with criminal activity. Despite widespread public blame, empirical studies testing this immigration-crime linkage remain scarce in the South African context. This study seeks to test this assumption by examining public attitudes towards the relationship between illegal immigration and crime. A quantitative survey methodology using a structured questionnaire was employed in this study. Data was collected from a broader section of South African society to reflect the general public sentiment on illegal immigration. Quantitative data is useful in making causal connections (inference) between immigration and other key variables/determinants. The data was analysed using statistical software, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Key findings reveal a disconnect between public perception and empirical evidence: 96.3% of respondents believe immigration exacerbates crime, with undocumented status as a primary enabler. However, official data from the Department of Correctional Services indicate that undocumented immigrants account for only 2% of incarcerated offenders, which challenges the dominant narrative. The study also highlights pervasive hate attitudes towards illegal immigrants, fuelled by media sensationalism and socioeconomic anxieties. This study calls for evidence-based policymaking, improved transparency in crime data disaggregation, and community education to counter xenophobic stereotypes.

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