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Flyer campaign cautions against physical harm
Three hundred flyers were distributed as part of raising awareness to refrain from imposing physical harm onto others.
BRIGHTON Beach police said common assault and grievous bodily harm (GBH) remain problematic contact crimes in Clairwood and on the Bluff.
Apart from cases of men and women, reports of minors are also being registered.
According to the station’s Captain Louise le Roux, perpetrators were known to the victims in the majority of reported cases, some even live in the same household.
“Cases reported imitated as a result of road rage, owner or tenant disputes, employer or employee disputes, relationships have gone sour including sibling rivalry and domestic violence. No incidents imitated from educational institutes,” she said.
Liquor officer Warrant Officer Theo van Noordwyk and Le Roux, distributed 300 flyers as part of raising awareness, on Monday, 10 May, at the Bluff Hill Side Mall.
The intention was to educate and caution residents to refrain from imposing physical harm onto others.
“Common assault cases are referred to the prosecutor for a decision to either prosecute the offender or not. ‘Tit for tat’ cases result in both parties being criminally prosecuted, irrelevant of who started what first.”
“Provocation does not justify common assault or GBH. Using lethal force by utilising an object or a hand or fist to cause injury that results in individuals sustaining severe injuries, disability or death,” she said.
Le Roux further noted that if the perpetrator causes serious injury, they may be instructed by the court to foot the bill for medical expenses and in some instances for the disability incurred.
“If a victim dies as a result of injuries sustained and intent is proven, the charge will be changed to murder. If intent cannot be proven, the charge will change to culpable homicide.”
“Where cases of substance dependency are the result of physical abuse, it is recommended that registered institutes are approached for support. If convicted of common assault or GBH, a fine, imprisonment or both may be imposed as judgment on the accused. It is irrelevant what sentence is imposed the accused will have a criminal record,” she added.
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