Warning over assault
BLUFF residents were cautioned against the perils of assault in a crime awareness campaign conducted by Brighton Beach SAP communications officer, Captain Louise Le Roux on Thursday, 10 October.
The campaign was initiated due to an increasing number of assault cases reported within the area.
Working in partnership with the management and tenants of the Hill Side Mall and Bluff Towers, she distributed 2,000 brochures sponsored by Tactical Security. The brochures, which were developed by Capt Le Roux, featured the definition of assault and the implications of an assault charge.
“Assault is committed when one person physically strikes another, or acts in a threatening manner to put another in fear of immediate harm. Aggravated assault occurs when one tries to, or does cause severe injury to another, through use of a weapon.
Cases are now referred to the prosecutor’s office for a decision on whether to prosecute. ‘Tit for tat’ cases result in both parties being criminally prosecuted, regardless of who initiated it. Provocation does not justify assault. A court can order perpetrators to be financially liable for medical expenses of their victim/s. If a victim dies as a result of injuries sustained, a charge of murder or culpable homicide may be laid.”
Capt Le Roux thanks her partners in this campaign and said Brighton Beach SAP welcomes the support of business within the community willing to partner with them to fight crime.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
