Four Social Development workers nearly hijacked in Khayelitsha

Western Cape Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, has condemned the violent attack against the Department of Social Development (DSD) staff.

Four WCSD staff members were nearly hijacked Friday in Khayelitsha after facilitating a substance use disorder and crime prevention programme. The four traumatized staff members will receive counselling and support.

PICTURE: Dabarestic

Fernandez says this could have awful consequences for vulnerable residents.

“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.’’

According to the MEC, this is not the first time WCDSD staff members have come under attack while attempting to perform their duties.

‘’Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Nyanga, have been identified as hotspots for these kind of attacks on Western Cape Government (WCG) workers. When staff have to conduct home visits in these areas, they can usually only do so if accompanied by SAPS or law enforcement officers, which is not sustainable due to limited resources,’’ said Sharna Fernandez, Western Cape Social Development MEC.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla