Two social development employees attacked in Khayelitsha within 2 days

The public are urged to help protect social service professionals by reporting any information about criminal activities to the police.

This comes after a community development worker based at the Khayelitsha Department of Social Development (DSD) office was hijacked and shot at, on Wednesday, while on duty. He has since been discharged from hospital. The following morning, a social worker was hijacked in Khayelitsha on her way to the office.

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The Western Cape’s Social Development Department says at least five of its officials have been attacked in Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Nyanga since the beginning of the year.

‘’In order to protect our staff, they have been informed that they should avoid going into these areas at night in government vehicles unless accompanied by a police escort,’’ said Sharna Fernandez, Social Development MEC.

‘’These hard-working men and women are critical in protecting our most vulnerable residents including our children. This Child Protection Month, please step in and support them in their work,’’ she added.

Fernandez condemned the attacks on its workers, saying the attacks interfere with the services the department renders to communities.

“These attacks not only leave our colleagues deeply traumatised, but it also interferes with the department’s work to provide critically needed services to many vulnerable residents in the community. I have been in contact with the community development worker of Wednesday’s incident, and he is, understandably, angry that he was attacked while trying to serve the community. It cannot be that staff who are trying to make a positive change are falling prey to callous criminals.’’

‘’The department has taken several steps to protect its staff with vehicle types that are in demand by hijackers swapped out for other vehicle types deemed a lower risk. However, these too are now becoming a target by opportunistic criminals. The department’s local office staff have also been linked to the Western Cape Government’s Area Based Teams in these areas to assist them with up-to-date information on crime hotspots,’’ added Fernandez.

The MEC said various safety strategies that have been communicated to staff are being implemented.

‘’DSD will continue prioritising the safety of staff and rendering services in hotspot areas. Clients in the affected areas are encouraged to go to local offices for assistance or make appointments. Counselling services have been arranged for all DSD staff in Khayelitsha impacted by crime, while on duty,’’ said Sharna Fernandez, Social Development MEC.

 

Done by: Mitchum George