City receives more assault cases than drunk driving cases during Easter

The City of Cape Town says it is pleased by the decrease in arrests made over the Easter weekend, compared to the same period in 2023, but expressed concern about the incidents it recorded, as per its ‘month-end’ tendencies.

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According to figures from the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre, 2 725 incidents over the Easter long weekend were recorded, which is a near 20% increase from 2023's 2 294 incidents.

This included 1 256 medical calls, 108 fire incidents, 301 cases of assault, up from 211 last year, 98 domestic violence cases – nearly 200% up from 33 the previous year and 88 road accidents, up from 75 in 2023.

‘’We were very concerned about the Easter weekend falling over a month-end period, and unfortunately far too many of the statistical indicators point once more to the use, and abuse of alcohol. I am perplexed by the sharp increase in motor vehicle accidents and the number of incidents related to interpersonal violence calls. On a lighter note, we experienced a downturn in drunk driving arrests over the Easter period, which was a pleasant and welcome surprise. Another positive was the number of long distance public transport operators who participated in Operation Exodus, with a 15% increase in vehicles checked compared to last Easter,’’ said JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.

In general enforcement, the City's agencies made 305 arrests and issued 62 710 fines for various offences – compared to 361 arrests in 2023, and 72 465 fines issued. Drunk driving arrests showed a remarkable decline year-on-year, from 80 in 2023 to just 25 in the past week.

Operation Exodus, which focuses on vehicle and driver fitness in the long distance transport industry saw 487 vehicles undergoing checks, up from 423 in 2023.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa