Social workers in the Western Cape gets attacked almost once per week - WCDSD

Attacks on social workers in the Western Cape are sharply on the rise, with almost one attack per week.

This was revealed on Tuesday during a sitting of the Standing Committee on Social Development.

According to the Head of the Provincial Department, Robert MacDonald, social workers are increasingly being targeted by a criminal syndicate and are frequently hijacked while driving government vehicles to provide essential assistance to individuals in need.

‘’When government vehicles are hijacked, they often end up across the border in other countries, resulting in significant financial losses as these vehicles typically need to be written off. Fewer vehicles available for social workers directly result in diminished service delivery, as they are unable to reach and assist as many individuals in need.’’

‘’To further protect Social Workers, police escorts are requested when social workers need to enter high-risk areas. When the South African Police Service (SAPS) is unable or often reluctant to provide assistance, officers from the Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) and City Law Enforcement step in to offer support. Social workers are advised to wait if escorts are not available to minimize risk.’’

‘’While there have fortunately been no fatalities among social workers thus far, these attacks have had severe consequences. Social workers experience significant trauma, leading to high absenteeism and increased leave. Their movements and operations have been severely restricted, impacting their ability to serve vulnerable communities effectively. The Department of Social Development continues to offer support to affected social workers,’’ added  MacDonald.

The department says measures has been put in place to protect social workers from these horrendous crimes from happening.

‘’In response to this alarming trend, the Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the Department of Mobility, is taking decisive measures to protect social workers from attacks and hijacking. Government vehicles used by social workers are being unmarked and fitted with non-government number plates to enhance their safety, while also being fitted with newer hidden tracking devices,’’ said Robert MacDonald, Head of the Western Cape’s Social Development Department.

‘’An integrated approach is being employed to combat these attacks, involving SAPS, LEAP, the Provincial Department of Community Safety, and City Law Enforcement. All attacks are promptly reported to the relevant authorities, with the Department of Social Development keeping track of all cases and regularly following up on progress,’’ he added.

The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape Legislature says they will submit written questions on this matter, to obtain additional info regarding cases.

 “These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to better our society, often under challenging and dangerous conditions. Any attack on a social worker is unacceptable and should be classified as an attack on the state so that harsher sentences can be applied. These heartless perpetrators must face the full extent of the law.” said Wendy Kaizer-Philander, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development.

 

Done By: Mitchum George