Fewer arrests were recorded in Cape Town over the Easter long weekend, the number of assault cases and vehicle accidents reported to City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre rose.
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Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says 20% increase in incidents reported last year and this year. 2,725 incidents were recorded this year.
“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).”
Expressing concern over the statistics, Smith highlighted the holiday’s overlap with month-end and noted the evident correlation between the incidents and alcohol consumption.
However, Smith did note an unexpected decrease in drunk driving arrests. It dropped from 80 arrests in 2023, to 25 this year. He also commended the increased participation of long-distance public transport operators in Operation Exodus, resulting in a 15% rise in vehicles checked compared to the previous Easter.
Decrease in arrests over Easter long weekend
City law enforcement secured 305 arrests and issued 62 710 fines issued for various offences over the long weekend. A decrease from the 361 arrests and 72,465 fines recorded in 2023.
Overall, 25 arrests were made by city agencies for drunk driving.
