Metro Police note marked increase in domestic violence cases
26 June 2023
This past week, the City’s enforcement agencies arrested 273 arrests and issued 80 903 fines for various transgressions. The Metro Police Department recorded a noticeable increase in domestic violence incidents.
Metro Police are continuing to see more cases of domestic violence reported over the past two weeks. Officers responded to 33 cases in various parts of the metropole, including Bishop Lavis, Eastridge, Macassar, Gugulethu and Delft over this period. In the past week, there were 11 cases and 22 the previous week.
In one of the latest incidents, officers arrested a 46-year-old suspect in Mfuleni on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm in terms of the Domestic Violence Act.
In all other instances recorded in the past week, the suspects had either left the premises, or the complainants declined to lay charges, or officers intervened by removing suspects from the home to other agreed-upon locations.
'In many of the incidents reported, the aggressors were children, some adults, but quite a few only in their teens, either threatening or assaulting parents or other family members. In many instances, domestic violence is linked to substance abuse, and we also notice an increase towards month-end. The onset of the school holidays is also something to consider, particularly if we take into account that home isn't necessarily a safe space for everyone. And, although we appreciate the complexity involved, it is very difficult for our officers to act decisively when complainants do not want to pursue charges. Our Metro Police Department will continue to respond to domestic violence incidences as mandated by the Domestic Violence Act, 1998, but officers can only do as much as the law, and the complainants will allow them to,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
In other Metro Police successes in the past week, officers arrested 60 suspects and issued 3 040 fines for traffic and by-law related offences.
They also recovered numerous firearms – the most recent this morning, Monday, 26 June, in Manenberg, when officers on patrol in the area recovered a 9mm pistol with 17 rounds of ammunition and arrested a 33-year-old suspect.
Their Law Enforcement counterparts made 129 arrests and issued 2 685 notices for various transgressions.
On Sunday, 25 June, a LEAP officer arrested a suspect in Philippi East and recovered two firearms during a pursuit.
The officer was stopped by a member of the public, who informed him of a vehicle in the area, and that the driver is possibly in possession of a firearm.
On Saturday, 24 June, Law Enforcement officers stationed in Wynberg received information that a vehicle involved in a robbery was being pursued from Fish Hoek, direction CBD.
Officers responded and the Hyundai Accent was pulled over on the M3, in the vicinity of Princess Ann 90i. Officers apprehended the suspect and confiscated an imitation fire arm, cell phones and identity documents.
CAPE TOWN TRAFFIC SERVICE
Cape Town Traffic Services arrested 83 motorists – 76 for drunk driving and seven for reckless and negligent driving.
Officers also issued 75 178 fines, impounded 241 public transport vehicles and executed 1 715 warrants of arrest.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
