The City of Cape Town’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) logged more than 3,380 calls for assistance over the long weekend.  

PECC recorded calls for assistance for 93 cases of domestic violence, 174 cases of physical assault, and 148 cases of road accidents – in which pedestrians were involved in 33 of those incidents.  

In the week before the long weekend, the number of physical assault cases recorded was the same, while domestic violence cases were slightly higher at 97. Fewer motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents were recorded, at only 100, according to the City’s figures shared on 3 August.   

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the recent PECC figures are not a surprise. 

“It bears the hallmarks of many other long weekends, where we see an increase in interpersonal incidents – many linked to alcohol abuse,” said Smith in a statement. 

In reaction to the increase in road-related incidents, Smith noted that there was a “direct correlation” with the rain over the weekend.  

“Too many drivers simply do not appreciate the need to change their driving behaviour to match the environmental or road conditions.”  

Meanwhile, throughout the week, Metro Police and Law Enforcement officers, in total, carried out 324 arrests and issued 16,823 notices.  Traffic officers arrested 43 people for driving under the influence of alcohol, two for reckless driving and four for other offences.  

“The public is reminded to report emergencies or any suspicious and/or criminal activities by calling the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 OR logging by-law and traffic related complaints using the Safety and Security add on to the City App,” read the City’s statement.  

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