This study investigates the historical, cultural, and societal factors contributing to crime in South Africa. It aims to understand how legacies of colonialism and apartheid, socioeconomic inequality, cultural norms, and weakened social structures collectively influence criminal behaviour, with a view to informing sustainable and culturally sensitive crime prevention strategies. Despite numerous legal and policing interventions, crime in South Africa remains persistently high, particularly in urban and marginalized communities. Existing approaches often fail to address the root causes of crime, including historical injustices, cultural acceptance of violence, family breakdown, and structural inequalities, leading to cyclical patterns of criminal behaviour and social dislocation. The study adopts a systematic qualitative approach, integrating literature review, theoretical analysis, and empirical evidence from recent studies. Key criminological frameworks including Social Disorganization, Strain, Social Learning, Culture of Violence, and Cultural Deviance theories are used to interpret the influence of cultural, societal, and historical factors on crime. Data were systematically synthesized to provide a holistic understanding of crime determinants. This research provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional framework linking historical legacies, cultural norms, and social structures with contemporary crime trends. It highlights the importance of stakeholder collaboration, community-based interventions, and restorative justice approaches, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, law enforcement, and community leaders. Historical legacies of apartheid and colonialism have entrenched socio-economic inequalities and mistrust in formal justice systems. Cultural norms, including certain conceptions of masculinity and traditional justice practices, contribute to the normalization of violence. Weak social structures family, education, and community networks exacerbate vulnerability to criminal behaviour. Multi-stakeholder collaboration produces a co-impact effect that is more effective than isolated interventions. Crime in South Africa is deeply embedded in historical, cultural, and societal contexts, making purely punitive measures insufficient. Sustainable crime prevention requires integrated strategies addressing socio-economic inequality, transforming cultural norms, strengthening social institutions, and fostering coordinated stakeholder engagement. By addressing the root causes, South Africa can move towards safer, more equitable, and resilient communities.