Violent crime spikes in E Cape

In the space of seven days, more than 3 000 cases involving violent crime were opened at the Eastern Cape’s 197 police stations, with the health MEC saying trauma units are under pressure due to alcohol-related injuries since the move to Level 3.

The Eastern Cape provincial coronavirus command council revealed this in a report on Monday. Level 3 lockdown, which began on 1 June, allowed for the sale of liquor to resume.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane had announced he would be petitioning the national government to reinstate the alcohol ban in the province to contain the spread of Covid-19.

A total of 3 145 cases have been reported in the province in June. Among the crimes were:

Seventy-seven reported rape cases;

Ninety-four murders;

Three hundred and fifty-four assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm cases; and

Twenty-five culpable homicide cases.

There were also 354 cases of attempted murder opened.

The report noted that the spike in crimes coincided with the resumption of the liquor trade.

“The total number of cases reported during the same period is 3 145, but the above are of a serious nature [and] can be directly or indirectly linked to the abuse of liquor,” the report read.

There were also 51 drunk driving cases opened; 25 cases of driving under the influence in which someone was injured; and 26 cases in which no one was hurt in the accidents.

On Monday, Eastern Cape health MEC Sindiswa Gomba reported a surge in trauma cases at the province’s 91 hospitals and more than 700 clinics.

Gomba said this was due to alcohol-related accidents.

“Unfortunately, with the sale of alcohol allowed again, we have seen a surge in the number of trauma cases at our hospitals.

“At Frere Hospital alone, there were 67 trauma cases over the weekend. These are all related to the sale of alcohol. It is the same in all other facilities as well.

“This is why I want to make a plea to the people of the Eastern Cape to drink responsibly.

“When they overindulge, it has been proven to result in car accidents, stabbings and general violence, which puts more pressure on our already overstretched doctors and nurses.

“We all need to be responsible and not abuse alcohol, or our healthcare system might be overwhelmed because of the number of trauma cases and Covid-19.”

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board, has threatened to clamp down on irresponsible drinkers and noncomplying traders following the spike in crime.

But the Eastern Cape Black Business Forum slammed the proposed call for another alcohol ban and urged law enforcers to instead crack down on those who drink and misbehave. – News24