THE Brighton Beach SAPS policing area is experiencing an increase in cases of assault and assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH) according to media officer, Captain Louise Le Roux
Imprisonment and fines can be imposed on those convicted of assault common or assault GBH, regardless of who the provoking party was.
“It is irrelevant what sentence is imposed, as you will still have a criminal record,” said Capt Le Roux.
“It must be noted that if you have caused an individual serious injury, you as the perpetrator can be instructed by the court to be financially liable for the payment of medical expenses for the victim, and in some instances also any disability which results.
If the victim dies as a result of injuries sustained and intent can be proven by the court, the charge can be changed to murder or if intent can’t be proven, culpable homicide.”
Capt Le Roux suggests contacting the CCMA or unions for grievances in work environments, consulting the Rental Tribunal Act for landlord-lessee disputes and the education department for problems at educational institutions.
She offers the following contact details for those suffering from drug or alcohol dependency to help combat the rise in assault cases:
South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca): 031-303-2202 or 031-202-2421.
Alcoholics Anonymous: 031-304-1826.
National Institute for Crime Prevention and Re-integration of Offenders (Nicro): 031-337-5500.
