DA WC decries strain trauma cases put on health system

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has on Wednesday raised concerns about the strain violent trauma cases are putting on the province's health system.

The party said emergency centres and trauma units in the province were operating under extreme pressure, largely due to injuries mostly associated with gang activity.

Statistics showed close to 27,000 people were treated for gunshot and stab wounds in the province over a period of six months last year.

Recent statistics revealed in Parliament showed a total of 3,111 patients were admitted to hospitals due to gunshot wounds between June and November 2025, while 23,711 people were treated for stabbings.

DA Western Cape spokesperson for health and wellness, Memory Booysen, said the statistics exposed the pressure on healthcare services caused by violence in the province.

"The reality is that the Department of Health cannot be expected to absorb the consequences of violent crime alone. Crime prevention and law enforcement remain national competencies".

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) Trade Union echoed the DA's concern, saying violence in the province's communities was putting added pressure on an already strained health system.