Staff members of the Western Cape’s social development department were attacked after conducting a substance abuse disorder and crime prevention programme in Khayelitsha on Friday.
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The four staff members were reportedly leaving the area when they came under attack in an attempted hijacking. EWN reports that although the group escaped unharmed, the incident left them traumatised.
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‘I condemn it in the strongest terms. To any community members who may have information that could lead to arrests, please kindly contact the South African police services. I also explore residents to protect DSD staff where it is safe and possible,’ says Sharna Fernandez, social development MEC.
‘Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, and Nyanga have been identified as hotspots for these kinds of attacks on Western Cape Government (WCG) workers. This is not the first time WCDSD staff members have come under attack while attempting to perform their duties.
‘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.
‘We cannot have a situation where staff are unable to enter areas due to the callous acts of criminals. This could have dire consequences for vulnerable residents.’
Fernandez says the group will receive counselling and support.
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