Rietgat warn residents to tolerate each other amid rise of assault cases

Rietgat police are calling on the community members in their policing precinct to learn to live side-by-side and tolerate each other during Covid-19 times.

Captain Stephen Malukeka said it has come to the attention of the station that there is an upsurge in cases of common assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm where people fight each other for things that can be avoided.

During 2019-2020 crime stats released by police minister Bheki Cele earlier this year, Rietgat saw a massive increase of 114.6% common assault cases that were reported to the station.

“There’s not much change from the behaviour of our community but we will continue to drill in the message until it sinks in and possibly to help us curb the scourge.”

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Maluleka said the cases are reported randomly from households and some from taverns.

“Based on the fewer number of cases during lockdown level 5 and 4 where there was no alcohol sold we can safely say the spike could be alcohol-related.

“We, however, noticed that our people, especially perpetrators, are quick to inflict pain and injuries to the victims hence we are calling for tolerance and living side-by-side peacefully.”

Maluleka said the rise in these offences is a clear indication that the community finds it difficult to live in harmony in the same space.

“As the police, we are concerned about the moral fibre of the people we serve and protect. We therefore urge and encourage our community to do the right thing and avoid being on the wrong side of the law,” he said.

“Our message is clear: learn to control your anger and walk away from hostile situations while you still can. It is not worth it acquiring a criminal record by doing something you could have avoided.

“Let us tolerate each other as community members and learn to accept that we are different as people and, in an argument, there will be one with more facts than the other, so losing an argument does not make you less of a human being, so don’t resort to violence.”

Maluleka said the station further urges the community to report all criminal activities.

“The Rietgat SAPS can be reached at 012-432-7806 or Crime Stop 08600-10111 or MySAPS app for any tip-offs and information that may be of assistance to curb crime.”

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