Weekly statistics highlight the struggles of the festive season

22 December 2025

The City’s enforcement agencies made 339 arrests in the past week, but emergency services also saw an increase in incidents of interpersonal violence, domestic disturbances and self-harm. The City appeals to the public to reach out for help before it is too late.

The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre was the first response to requests for assistance in 1 853 incidents this past weekend.

Medical incidents accounted for 35% of all calls. The centre also logged 100 fires – noted an increase in calls for assistance for noise nuisances, from 255 the previous weekend to 281, and dispatched assistance to 43 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

The Centre also logged 116 assault cases, 47 domestic violence cases, and 15 cases of self-harm, up from 10 the previous weekend.

In addition, Metro Police officers responded to multiple complaints of domestic disturbances in the past few days, including:

• The arrest of a suspect in Forest Village for threatening his girlfriend
• The removal of a grandson from his grandmother’s home after a conflict escalated
• A violent altercation between a married couple where both parties were intoxicated
• An incident where a suspect threatened to burn down his family’s home
• An incident where a son damaged his father’s house and threatened to stab him
• A domestic dispute in Khayelitsha, but the complainant declined to lay charges

‘These statistics and incidents are reminders of the pain and anguish that so many people experience year round, but particularly over this period. Our staff are on hand to assist where they can, but not everyone reaches out for assistance – in fact, these statistics likely represent but a fraction of the true state of affairs. I appeal to persons in crisis to please reach out for help. I also appeal to friends, relatives and neighbours to check on those in your life who you know are having a tough time. Your text, call or visit could make the difference during what is a very lonely time for many people,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. 

More information/resources is available on suicide prevention and domestic violence in the links below:

• Suicide prevention 
  
• Support and treatment for domestic violence and abuse

In general enforcement efforts, Metro Police officers made 116 arrests, including 38 for driving under the influence of alcohol. They also issued 4 105 notices for traffic and by-law offences.

Law Enforcement Officers made 177 arrests and issued 9 497 fines. 
 
On the roads, Traffic Officers recorded 48 898 offences, impounded 185 public transport vehicles and executed 1 201 warrants of arrest.

They made 46 arrests – 41 for drunk driving, two for reckless and negligent and three more on various charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, false documentation and assaulting an officer.

The public is reminded to please report emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700, and to provide detailed information such as the time, exact address and a short description. 

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office