Public service workers remain vulnerable to attack in Cape Town, with more than 50 incidents involving social workers recorded since last year.  

The DA recently revealed that since April 2024, these employees have fallen victim to hijackings, intimidation and assault while on duty.  

ALSO READ: GroundUP/Western Cape government calls for harsher penalties for attacks on social workers

According to DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, 54 incidents in which social workers were attacked have taken place since 1 April last year to date. 

“These cases that are currently under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), was revealed in response to a DA question during a sitting this week of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament,” said Kaizer-Philander in a statement.  

She said many of these attacks took place in Khayelitsha (9 cases), Harare (8), Mfuleni (8), Gugulethu (5), Lingelethu (4), Mitchells Plain (3), Nyanga (3) and Philippi (3). Other incidents were reported in Delft, Blue Downs, Kleinvlei, Gordon’s Bay, Bellville, Kuyasa, Langa, Kuilsriver and Makhaza. 

Kaizer-Philander said the incidents ranged from hijackings and intimidation as well as assault.

“These attacks are unacceptable and severely undermine efforts to provide essential social services to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people living with disabilities, and those affected by substance abuse and gender-based violence.” 

She said the Provincial Social Development Department is working closely with the SAPS and community stakeholders to ensure the safety of social workers. She added that she intends to write a letter to the Office of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, urging the Minister to classify these incidents as crimes against the state.

“Any act of violence against them is an attack on the very fabric of the social support system.” 

At the same time, Kaizer-Philander commended social workers for continuing their work in vulnerable communities, despite the risks. 

“We extend our deepest gratitude to these frontline workers who put their lives at risk daily,” she said.