There is growing concern about the increase in street violence in certain parts of Málaga province. In the past week or so, there have been several stabbings, one fatal, and numerous other injuries such as fractures or severe bruising.
There has also been an alarming increase in the number of medical staff being attacked whilst trying to carry out their duties.
It seems to the authorities that there is a general increase in aggresiveness, borne out by the constant stream of people attending the various medical centres. Not only is it an increase in aggressiveness that is disturbing, but also the fact that the aggressors seem more willing to commit extreme acts of violence.
It could be a mere look, an accidental shove, a petty robbery or someone owing a small amount of money that results in an extreme incidence of violence these days.
On Wednesday, a 43 year old man was walking his dog in calle Clavel, El Palo, when he was attacked and stabbed to death by a local resident, David R. S. The motive for the attack? The attempted robbery of a ring and €10.
In Los Manantiales, Torremolinos, a 23 year old was stabbed three times, once in the neck and twice in the chest. He was rushed to the University Hospital in Málaga on Wednesday night and on Thursday underwent surgery and is now out of danger. The attacker was apprehended fairly quickly and gave the reason for the vicious assault as being: ‘he owed me €15’.
Another disturbing trend is in the number of people who seem to be quite ready to settle their domestic disputes with ‘finality’, rather than through discussion, counselling or mediation.