A critical discourse analysis of the voice of Maskandi on hostel killings in KwaMashu, Durban: Implications for community safety, health and well-being.

This paper explores the perceptions of Maskandi on violent crime in KwaMashu, a crime hotspot in Durban, South Africa. Music plays an essential role in critiquing social ills. A qualitative approach located within the constructivist paradigm was adopted. We selected four songs to explore the socio-economic and mental health implications of violent crime. These were analysed using Critical Discourse Analysis. Three artists; Malahle, Majotha and Mthandiwenyama were selected because of their songs' relevance to the topic. A proliferation of unlicensed firearms, high rate of sexual partner exchange and sheer criminality were the frontline causes of killings. Families of the victims of hostel killings were affected differently. Children bore the brunt of hostel killings. Victims required psychosocial support to cope with the stresses emanating from brutal killings. Interventions incorporating various stakeholders should be developed to curb criminality and mitigate the consequences of such crimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]