No time for funny business

16 September 2024

The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 679 incidents this weekend, up from 1 424 the previous weekend – calls for help included 118 cases of assault, 37 that were related to domestic violence, 62 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents, and 199 noise nuisance complaints.

Another notable statistic was the 104 prank calls received, compared to 41 four weekends ago.

'Prank calls have trended upwards over the past few weekends – an increase that is very problematic. These nuisance calls hog the lines, and that extra time that a caller with a real emergency has to spend waiting, could mean the difference between life and death, or a criminal getting away. And, while many prank callers consider themselves would-be comedians, some are downright abusive. The nature of an emergency call taker's job already comes with a lot of trauma and stress, and so prank calls really aren't as funny as the callers might think.

'In our experience, these callers are not always children – sadly, many adults make themselves guilty of it. However, as we head into the school holidays, I want to urge parents to please talk to the children about the potentially serious repercussions that can come from meddling with the emergency services,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In general enforcement over the past week, City agencies arrested 243 suspects and recorded 70 099 traffic and by-law offences.

Traffic officers recorded 62 378 offences and arrested 54 suspects of which 42 were for  driving under the influence of alcohol,  seven for reckless and negligent driving and five for other offences.

Officers also impounded 290 public transport vehicles and  executed 1 932 warrants of arrest.

Law Enforcement officers made 142 arrests and issued 4 355 notices, while their Metro Police counterparts arrested 47 suspects and issued more than 3 366  fines.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office