The Western Cape Health Department has reported a surge in emergencies between December 14 and January 15. During this period, emergency centres recorded 423 gunshot wounds, 4 450 stabbing injuries, 497 sexual offences, and 1 163 vehicle crashes.
Memory Booysen, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, said a written parliamentary reply revealed that from June to November last year, 3 111 patients were admitted to provincial hospitals due to gunshot wounds, while a staggering 23 711 individuals required medical care for stabbing-related injuries.
The department said overall visits declined compared to the previous festive season – including fewer accidental injuries, blunt assaults, and falls, while serious violence-related cases such as stabbings and gunshot wounds continued to place pressure on services.
The department said emergency centres recorded a…