The DA in the Western Cape has expressed concern that social workers operating in vulnerable communities are now also being intimidated and attacked by extortionists demanding protection money.

This information was revealed during a Standing Committee meeting on Friday 13 September, where the Provincial Department of Social Development, the provincial police leadership, the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate, and Government Motor Transport (an entity within the Department of Mobility) briefed the committee.

Over the past year, attacks on Social Workers have increased with the majority being recorded in the last year.

41 attacks have been reported, including six robberies and assaults, and 35 hijackings.

These incidents have occurred primarily in areas such as Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Elsies River, Crossroads, Philippi, Gugulethu, Delft, Mitchells Plain, and Langa.

DA MPP Wendy Kaizer-Philander says the trauma experienced by social workers in these areas is profound, often affecting the entire team.

“Many social workers, most of whom are women, are reassigned to new areas after attacks due to the psychological toll, which disrupts service delivery to the communities that rely on them.”

Disturbingly, there have been incidents where Department staff have been severely injured.

One staff member was shot in the neck while on duty, and another, who was off-duty at the time, was tragically killed.

Kaizer-Philander says these attacks are not limited to social workers; other Provincial departments face similar dangers in high-risk areas.

To address social worker safety concerns, the Social Development Department conducts daily check-ins with the SAPS to assess risk levels in specific areas. They have also developed internal safety protocols, including a buddy system where social workers are accompanied by a colleague or auxiliary worker when entering high-risk areas.

Additionally, the Department collaborates closely with SAPS and the City of Cape Town’s LEAP officers, who provide security escorts when needed to ensure the safety of social workers.

But it is not enough.

Kaizer-Philander says budget constraints have hampered efforts to fully secure facilities, leaving staff vulnerable.

“In some instances, criminals have entered Social Development offices under the guise of seeking assistance, only to attempt robberies once inside. This compromises not only the safety of social workers but also the Department’s ability to serve those in need.”

The SAPS has in turn emphasised the need for greater community involvement to stop attacks.

Social workers are now regularly attending Community Policing Forum (CPF) meetings to foster closer ties with the communities they serve and to build a support network that can help protect them in dangerous situations.

Kaizer-Philander has also called on the National Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to take immediate action by classifying these attacks on social workers as attacks on the state.

The Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board has condemned extortionist attacks on social workers, but adds that all critical services are at stake.

The Board’s Justin Kumlehn says these extortion events now extends its reach to affect schools, emergency medical services (EMS), and other essential service providers.

“These actions disrupt vital services and cause untold harm to the communities that rely on them. While we are aware that SAPS, in collaboration with other role players, is actively working to crack down on these criminal gangs and individuals, we call on law enforcement to amplify their efforts and escalate their crackdown to ensure lasting protection for those at risk.”

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