By REGINALD KANYANE

23 January 2026- The police in Northern Cape said the excessive consumption of alcohol is considered as the main generator or the root cause of contact crimes, include the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes, sexual assaults, rape, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH and assault common. The police said hence the policing of contact crimes and other related crimes associated with excessive alcohol consumption remains a priority for them.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said crime pattern and crime threat analysis has indicated that these crimes are prevalent during the weekends, when there is a high consumption of alcohol. Shemane said against this backdrop, communities are urged to adhere to and implement the following safety hints to prevent falling victim any form of contact crimes.

“Stay alert – awareness is your best defence. Always leave venues with friends wherever possible. Never go to the bathroom alone, always use a buddy system at public venues. Never accept drinks or lifts from strangers. Always stay in well-lit areas and never walk alone in secluded areas.

“Travel as if you know where you are going. Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around. Trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong then act on it. Avoid flashing valuable items as it attracts criminals for robbery and sexual assault,” he said.

Shemane further said they should not carry weapons when they attending social gatherings. He added that they should ensure that they have their keys available when they reach their home or car.

“Keep money for transport and plan in advance – the expense is worth it. Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary. If you are a victim, get help immediately. Make as much noise as you can to alert people when you in trouble.

“If you have been attacked, do not shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence. Always give the police all the details you have about the area and suspect if you are a victim of crime. Drink responsibly and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption– you need to give a clear account of what happened,” said Shemane.

He said they should never leave their drink unattended as it could be tampered with, leaving them to be victims of date rape. Shemane said that they should stay alert and safe.

“Do not physically intervene in fights – you could get hurt yourself, rather call police. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone. Remember, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence. Record details of times, number plates, descriptions and so on.

“If you do not have a pen with you, leave a voicemail message on your cell phone or write a draft text message.  Immediately get out of any abusive relationship and contact family or police.  Always have an emergency contact on speed dial,” he said.

Shemane said if they see something, they should say something. He encouraged them to call their nearest police station or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.

“Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime to the MySAPS app,” said Shemane.

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