Technology vs crime: In search for the truth: South African analysis

Polygraph testing is a discipline that continues to court controversy. Opinions on its use are sharply divided. Critics argue that polygraph examinations are unreliable, lack scientific validity, and hold little evidential value, emphasizing that they are not 100% accurate. Despite these criticisms, polygraph testing remains widely employed across the globe in criminal investigations, correctional supervision, vetting processes, and intelligence or counterintelligence operations to assess the credibility of complainants and witnesses. This study adopted an interpretivist paradigm within a qualitative research framework, utilizing grounded theory as its research design. A sample of 20 participants was selected through theoretical sampling, a method distinctive to grounded theory, and engaged in semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that certain South African Police Service investigators rely on polygraph examinations during their investigative processes. These examinations are perceived as a valuable technological tool that can contribute to crime reduction. The study recommends greater efforts to integrate polygraph testing into the criminal justice system, ensuring its effective and optimal use in addressing South Africa's exceptionally high crime rates. Ultimately, this paper seeks to demonstrate how polygraph examinations, when strategically applied in criminal investigations, can strengthen the fight against crime in South Africa.