Surge in domestic violence cases: Cape Town's emergency services under pressure

As Cape Town heads toward the end of the year, the City’s emergency and enforcement services are ending a demanding 2025 under intense festive-season pressure, with a particularly busy weekend highlighting the strain on frontline staff.

While JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Member for Safety and Security, spent time thanking officers and call-takers for their work over the course of the year, new figures show that the final stretch of December remains one of the most challenging periods.

The City of Cape Town said its enforcement agencies made 339 arrests in the past week, while the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) was the first responder to 1 853 incidents over the past weekend.

Medical incidents accounted for 35% of all calls, with the centre also logging 100 fires, dispatching assistance to 43 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents, and recording an increase in noise nuisance complaints, from 255 the previous weekend to 281.

The PECC further recorded 116 assault cases, 47 domestic violence cases, and 15 cases of self-harm, up from 10 the previous weekend.

Metro Police officers also responded to multiple domestic disturbance complaints in recent days, including incidents involving threats of violence, damage to property and alcohol-related disputes. In one incident in Khayelitsha, the complainant declined to lay charges.

“These statistics and incidents are reminders of the pain and anguish that so many people experience year-round, but particularly over this period,” Smith said. “Our staff are on hand to assist where they can, but not everyone reaches out for assistance, in fact, these statistics likely represent but a fraction of the true state of affairs.

"I appeal to persons in crisis to please reach out for help. I also appeal to friends, relatives and neighbours to check on those in your life who you know are having a tough time. Your text, call or visit could make the difference during what is a very lonely time for many people.”

Despite the pressure, enforcement operations continued citywide. Metro Police made 116 arrests, including 38 for driving under the influence of alcohol, and issued 4 105 notices for traffic and by-law offences. Law Enforcement officers made 177 arrests and issued 9 497 fines.

On the roads, Traffic Services recorded 48 898 offences, impounded 185 public transport vehicles, executed 1 201 warrants of arrest, and made 46 arrests, 41 for drunk driving, two for reckless and negligent driving, and three on other charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, false documentation and assaulting an officer.

Smith recently visited the PECC to thank call-takers who will remain on duty as the festive season continues. The centre fielded more than 15 000 calls during November, a figure expected to increase further before year-end.

“The staff at the PECC are our first line of defence in our festive season safety plans and the first link to get help,” Smith said. “They have to gather critical information from panicked callers, provide life-saving instructions and dispatch the right responders to the correct location. They are often the only contact for someone in distress, anxious or panicking. They are on duty while most of us are spending time with loved ones, and my visit was just to thank them for their service and dedication.”

The PECC operates 24 hours a day, is available in three languages, and can be reached on 021 480 7700 for emergencies or to report suspicious or criminal activity.

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Cape Argus