Physical assault cases on the increase

The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre(PECC) recorded an increase of 384 incidents compared to the previous week, when 1 493 were received. In a disturbing trend, 127 of the 215 trauma calls were physical assault incidents. The City’s Traffic Service, Law Enforcement and Metro Police Departments arrested 303 suspects and issued 76 390 fines during weekly enforcement patrols.

‘The increase in physical assault incidents as recorded by our Public Emergency Communication Centre is cause for concern. The Centre also recorded 32 domestic violence cases during the past weekend. These numbers could be much higher as it is often the case that victims are being intimidated or threatened and are too afraid to call for assistance. Our trained staff at the Emergency Centre are there to assist victims of abuse or domestic violence and will protect the identity of the caller if requested. Neighbours and members of the community also play an important role to report such cases. The Emergency Centre has an excellent track record for responding to calls for assistance and to inform the relevant enforcement agencies to immediately attend to emergencies’, said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The City’s PECC logged 1 877 incidents between Friday, 3 June and Sunday, 5 June 2022. Of these calls, 422 were enforcement of By-law related incidents. The Centre also received 26 gun related trauma incidents and 258 noise nuisance complaints.

In addition, the Centre also dealt with 194 traffic and vehicle related incidents of which 53 were motor vehicle accidents.

TRAFFIC SERVICE

Traffic officers issued 70 006 fines and arrested 60 suspects for various road, driver and vehicle safety transgressions. Officers also impounded 154 public transport vehicles and executed 1 694 warrants of arrest. Of the arrests made, 46 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, 11 for reckless and negligent driving, one arrest for a false number plate, one for endangering the life of a minor and one for the illegal use of trade plates.

METRO POLICE

Officers from the City’s Metro Police Department issued 3 639 fines and arrested 118 suspects during weekly patrols. Of the total amount of arrests made, 21 were for driving under the influence of alcohol and 55 for possession of or dealing in drugs.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Law Enforcement officers conducted 551 operations during which officers issued 2 745 fines and arrested 125 suspects. Of those arrested, Law Enforcement Advancement Plan officers accounted for 110 suspects of which 61 arrests were drug related.

Residents are reminded to report any criminal activity or emergency by contacting the PECC on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.

Source: City Of Cape Town

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