The City of Cape Town’s Metro Police officers has seen a notable increase in domestic violence cases across the metropole in recent weeks.
These past two weeks alone, officers responded to 33 cases of domestic violence in various parts of the City. The most notable areas are Bishop Lavis, Eastridge, Macassar, Gugulethu, and Delft. In the past week, there were 11 cases, and 22 the previous week.
In one of the most recent 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 cases reported in the past week, the suspects had either left the premises, or the complainants refused to lay charges against them. In some cases, officers intervened by removing suspects from their homes and to them to another agreed-upon location.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith says in many of the incidents reported, the aggressors were usually children. Some adults, but quite a few children in their teens were either threatening or assaulting parents or other family members.
In many instances, domestic violence is linked to substance abuse, which usually also records an increase towards month-end. The start of the mid-year school holidays is definitely something to consider, especially if we take into account that “home” isn’t necessarily a safe space for everyone, added Smith.
“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.”
READ MORE: Helplines in South Africa for abuse & domestic violence
Other weekly enforcement operations
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. Their Law Enforcement counterparts made 129 arrests and issued 2 685 notices for various transgressions.
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.
