According to Sgt Mashudu Phathela, spokesperson for the Reiger Park SAPS, the overall statistics are showing an increase in the number of assaults in the Reiger Park policing precinct, compared to the same month last year.
Police believe that excessive alcohol consumption is the main risk factor for these assaults.
“The majority of the cases involve alcohol and people who know each other, often partners who have been drinking before the assault.”
However, Phathela stated that while many, if not most, of these cases are alcohol-related, assaults also occur when neither the aggressors nor the victims have been drinking.
“We are deeply concerned about the ongoing problem of assault cases, which has resulted in a number of people being taken to hospitals for serious injuries,” says Phathela.
Seven assaults with intention to cause grievous bodily harm were reported between August 8 and 11 in the area, and this does not include common assaults.
Some of the assaults involve lower levels of aggression (pushing, shoving), some involve more severe violence (kicking, punching), and the serious ones involve the use of weapons, such as knives, broken bottles and other dangerous weapons.
Most of these assaults occur on weekend nights at or outside taverns.
“We are continuing to focus our patrols in areas where these incidents occur, which seems to be around the consumption of alcohol.”
Phathela says police are working hard to prevent assaults in the area and to hold those involved accountable.
This significant spike in assaults and domestic violence reported in the area so far this month is prompting police officials to get to work on a public awareness campaign aimed at curbing the trend.
A crime Indaba will be held on August 28, at Conquers Through Christ Ministries, along Fish Eagle Street, Ramaphosa, Extension 5.
For more information about the Imbizo, residents may phone Phathela on 011 916 7000/082 733 8481.
