Cape Town Violence Surges Nearly 80% Over Payday Weekend

CAPE TOWN — Exact date not stated

Assault reports in Cape Town nearly doubled during the recent payday weekend, continuing a nationwide crime pattern linked to month-end.

The city’s Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 140 assault calls between Friday and Sunday—up from 78 the previous weekend. Physical assaults accounted for 41 cases, while 98 incidents involved weapons. (City of Cape Town data)

Domestic violence reports rose from 36 to 53 cases. Road accidents spiked to 66 incidents, compared to 45 the week before. (PECC statistics)

Safety MEC Alderman JP Smith confirmed payday weekends consistently bring increased violence. “Our enforcement departments brace themselves for payday weekends as it inevitably means an increase in violence and recklessness.” He cited six firearms seized and 12 arrests for illegal weapons. (Official statement)

Smith warned: “There are many more [guns] still in the hands of criminals. We need national government to come to the party so we can stop the flood of guns terrorising our neighbourhoods.”

Wider enforcement efforts during the period included:

• 166 arrests by Law Enforcement

• 53 arrests by Metro Police with 2,795 fines

• 22 traffic arrests including 13 drunk drivers, and 198 taxis impounded (Operation statistics)

The PECC handled 1,641 total incidents citywide during the week.

Increased patrols and checkpoints are planned for future payday periods, though the City stressed that curbing illegal firearms requires national intervention. (City announcement)