BRIGHTON Beach police have reported that assault common and assault GBH (grievously bodily harm) remain problematic contact crimes in the Bluff.
Captain Louise le Roux, the Brighton Beach police station spokesperson, said the Bluff sector had the highest reports of these crimes, while the Clairwood sector had the least number of incidents.
She said many of the cases reported were related to domestic violence occurring within homes.
“Alcohol was also a factor in some incidents of assault common and GBH. Educational institutes have also contributed to incidents of assault common.
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“There have also been reports of sporadic incidents of assault at places which allow for alcohol consumption,” she said.
Le Roux said some actions used to cause physical harm included stabbing, hitting, striking, beating, and kicking, among others.
She said some of the weapons or tools used during the commission of the offences included scissors, knives, bottles, and body parts such as the hands and feet.
Le Roux said there were serious repercussions for those accused in such matters.
“Assault common cases are referred to the prosecutor for a decision whether to prosecute the offender/s. The tit-for-tat cases are resulting in both parties being criminally prosecuted, irrelevant of who started what first. Provocation does not justify assault common or GBH.
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“If the perpetrator/s caused serious injury, it may be instructed by the court that financial liabilities be paid and in some instances also for any 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,” she said.
Le Roux said if convicted of assault common or GBH, a fine, imprisonment or both may be imposed as judgement on the accused.
“It must also be said that the accused will have a criminal record, irrelevant of what sentence is imposed,” she said.
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