The rising number of assault cases opened at Alexandra Police Station is sending jitters down the spines of the men and women in blue who fear these crimes could soon tip over to murder cases.
“We’re worried by the rising number of assaults with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and common assault cases being lodged at the station,” said Alex police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela.
Maphakela attributed the rise in these cases to the abuse of alcohol, especially over the festive season and mainly over weekends during the year. “Most of the cases were opened between boyfriends and girlfriends, husbands and wives,” he said.
“We’re worried these domestic abuse cases could soon lead to serious murder cases and we urge the community to seek help whenever they have domestic disputes as opposed to taking the law into their own hands.
“Those with domestic issues can seek help at Alexandra Police Station which will assign a social worker to help them find possible solutions to their conflicts which aggravate the assaults,” Maphakela said.
He added that if people do not find resolution with Alex police, they were free to contact the station commander herself, Colonel Nhluvuko Zondi, who has expressed her willingness to help the community of Alex and ensure they access quality service from the police.
Maphakela said some of the cases arise out of petty jealousies when one partner is seen talking to a person of a different gender and an assumption is made of cheating.
“We’re building a democratic state and, as a result, we want our people to learn to sit down and discuss their differences amicably and find a way forward without having to resort to physical violence,” he said.
“If we can do this, we will certainly go a long way in entrenching democratic practices within families and the community at large, practices which could transcend themselves into the nation as well.”
Details: Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela 082 411 0188.
