Four social workers attacked in Khayelitsha

Four Western Cape government social workers were attacked and nearly hijacked in Site C, Khayelitsha, last week, the social development department said in a statement on Monday, 26 June.

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KHAYELITSHA IDENTIFIED AS A HOTSPOT FOR ATTACKS ON WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT WORKERS

The incident took place on Friday afternoon. The social workers were heading back to work after holding a substance use disorder and crime prevention program alongside the police and NGOs when they were nearly hijacked.

The social workers managed to escape with the department’s vehicle, but are very traumatised, said spokesperson Monique Mortlock-Malgas.

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The department said Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Nyanga are hotspots for attacks on provincial government workers.

MEC CONDEMNS ATTACK

Usually, workers are only able to work in the areas if a police escort accompanies them – this is not sustainable due to constrained resources.

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“I am deeply disturbed by the violent attack staff endured this afternoon, and I condemn it in the strongest terms. To any community members who may have information that could lead to arrests, please contact the SAPS.

“I also implore residents to protect WCDSD staff, where it is safe and possible when they are trying to deliver crucial services to communities. We cannot have a situation where staff members are unable to enter areas due to the callous acts of criminals. This could have dire consequences for vulnerable residents, like children,” said Western Cape Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez.

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