This article examines rural crime victimisation and the engagement of rural communities with both formal and informal justice systems in South Africa, offering insights into the unique challenges faced by rural populations in accessing justice. It explores how crime manifests in rural contexts, highlighting specific issues such as livestock theft, farm attacks, and the role of traditional justice systems. By integrating criminological theories such as Social Disorganisation Theory and Restorative Justice, the study explores how these frameworks apply to rural crime dynamics. The article also offers practical recommendations for improving rural policing, enhancing police-community relations, and integrating informal justice practices with formal law enforcement. This study provides valuable implications for policy, law enforcement, and criminology, contributing to a broader understanding of rural crime and justice in Africa. The purpose of this study is to critically examine the nature of rural crime in South Africa and to explore the role of both formal and informal justice systems in addressing the needs of rural communities. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how rural crime differs from urban crime, how rural communities interact with justice systems, and to offer practical recommendations for improving crime prevention and justice delivery in rural areas. Rural communities in South Africa face unique challenges in both experiencing and addressing crime. Limited access to formal justice systems, combined with the prevalence of informal justice practices, creates a complex landscape for crime prevention and resolution. Despite the significance of rural crime, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies that explore rural crime dynamics and the integration of both formal and informal justice mechanisms. This research seeks to address the gap in understanding how rural crime is experienced and how rural communities engage with justice systems, which is essential for developing effective crime prevention strategies. The main topic of the study is the nature of rural crime in South Africa, with a focus on victimisation, community engagement with justice systems, and the role of both formal (state-led) and informal (community-based) justice systems. The article addresses the complexity of rural crime and how community members navigate between these two justice systems, proposing recommendations to improve safety and justice delivery in rural settings. Rural crime presents unique characteristics, including livestock theft, farm attacks, and crimes related to limited resources. These crimes often go underreported or inadequately addressed due to geographical and socio-economic factors. Informal justice systems, such as traditional courts and community dispute resolutions, play a significant role in rural crime resolution. These systems often operate parallel to formal legal institutions but can offer culturally appropriate and accessible methods of justice. Rural communities face barriers to accessing formal justice mechanisms, such as police stations that are often distant and under-resourced, as well as a lack of trust in formal justice institutions. A more effective approach to rural crime requires the integration of informal justice practices with formal law enforcement. This approach would provide a more culturally sensitive and locally accepted model of crime prevention and resolution.Strengthening the relationship between rural communities and law enforcement can improve crime reporting, foster trust, and enhance overall crime prevention efforts. The study employs a qualitative research design, using in-depth interviews, case studies, and field observations to collect data from rural communities, law enforcement officers, and traditional justice practitioners. The research also incorporates an analysis of secondary data, such as crime statistics and policy documents, to support the findings. A combination of thematic analysis and case study analysis is used to examine how rural crime is experienced and the effectiveness of both formal and informal justice mechanisms in addressing these issues. This study offers several important contributions to the field of criminology, particularly in the context of rural crime in Africa: Policy Implications: The findings provide policymakers with insights on how to develop crime prevention strategies that are tailored to rural communities and integrate both formal and informal justice systems. Practical Recommendations: The study provides actionable recommendations for improving rural policing, enhancing police-community relations, and promoting restorative justice practices. Academic Contribution: The article contributes to the Vol-2, Iss-6 (June-2025) 2 emerging field of rural criminology in Africa, offering a model for further research on rural crime in other African nations. Social Impact: By addressing the complexities of rural crime and justice, the study advocates for a more inclusive approach that respects local traditions and enhances access to justice for rural populations. The study concludes that rural crime in South Africa requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both formal and informal justice systems. The integration of traditional and modern justice mechanisms, alongside improved community engagement with law enforcement, offers the best prospects for effective crime prevention and justice delivery in rural areas. This approach not only improves access to justice but also strengthens the legitimacy of the criminal justice system in rural communities. The findings highlight the need for policies and strategies that are sensitive to the unique challenges faced by rural populations, paving the way for more effective and sustainable crime prevention solutions. Ultimately, this research contributes to a broader understanding of rural crime and justice in Africa, with implications for both academic research and practical crime policy