Exploring the role unemployment plays in perpetrating violent crimes, particularly murder in South Africa

South Africa is still grappling with the triple injustices of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which are regressive in nature. The country is further experiencing the highest forms of violent crime statistics, and that is cause for concern. This makes the investigation into the contributors to violent crime interesting and relevant. This paper was primarily aimed at exploring how unemployment plays a role in perpetrating violent criminal activities, particularly murder. The study was qualitative in nature. It was grounded in rational choice theory. The theory perceives individuals as rational participants because of their capability of making their own choices. This is inclusive of the choice to commit violent crime. The individuals have the capacity to weigh the pros and cons of committing violent crimes. The study utilised qualitative methodology as it provided deeper understanding of the linkage between unemployment and violent crime, particularly murder. A document review of journals, strategies, policies, reports, and plans was used to gather data, and thematic data analysis was conducted. Evidence drawn from themes indicates the weak contribution of unemployment to violent crime because the rate of intimate partner violence is increasing. The findings show that violent crime in South Africa exposes symptoms of cognitive, emotional, political, and socio-economic challenges. It was revealed that some forms of murder are related to specific forms of street culture masculinity. It is recommended that the psychosocial, socio-economic well-being of South Africans be taken care of. This will prevent violent, aggressive, and violent behaviour. The root causes should be explored and understood. This will facilitate the use of appropriate mitigating factors when addressing challenges culminating in murder.