The Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has urged Gauteng residents to stay safe during the festive season.

This comes as a result of the Gauteng Emergency Services being inundated with calls to attend to trauma, suicide, and medical cases.

Nkomo-Ralehoko urged residents to avoid getting into fights, which often results in stabbing and shooting incidences.

“There has been a spike in motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents, as well as assault cases over the festive period.”

Nkomo-Ralehoko reported that since the beginning of this festive period, Gauteng had seen a total of 16 fatal crashes with 17 fatalities.

“We urge people to continue being safe on the road and avoid fighting.”