Nearly 27,000 people were treated for violent injuries at Western Cape public hospitals over a six-month period, placing severe pressure on already strained emergency and trauma services. Provincial health authorities have warned that a surge in gunshot and stabbing cases is overwhelming the health system and have urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ramp up intelligence-driven policing, particularly in gang-affected communities.
Speaking to VOC News, Director of Communications for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Dwayne Evans, said the trend is especially concerning, as injury figures are expected to rise during peak holiday periods.
“We predict that every festive season the figures will increase. Unfortunately, trauma cases do rise during this time. What is particularly concerning is the number of preventable injuries we’ve seen,” Evans said.
He added that while the department continues to promote safe festive practices, including proper supervision of children, the holiday atmosphere often leads to risky behaviour.
“As more people come down to the coast and relax during the holidays, it seems that they unfortunately neglect their own safety,” he explained.
Evans said preventable injuries place immense strain on hospitals and frontline healthcare workers, with factors such as alcohol consumption contributing significantly to emergency admissions.
“It highlights the pressure we are under in the health system and how factors like alcohol consumption impact hospital numbers, as well as the toll this takes on our staff,” he said.
He further warned that preventable cases also affect patients requiring urgent medical care.
“It’s not only the pressure on our staff working over the festive season, but it also delays and affects waiting times for patients who genuinely require emergency treatment,” Evans added.
Provincial health authorities have reiterated calls for safer communities and collaborative efforts to reduce violence-related injuries.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Pixabay
