Nokubonga Ndlovu|Published
Two social service workers travelling from Khayelitsha to a court hearing in Parow were hijacked, in the latest attack on Western Cape government staff responsible for protecting vulnerable children and families.
The incident occurred at about 10.10am on October 19 as the workers were leaving Khayelitsha. It brings the number of departmental staff hijacked this year to 28, while 86 assaults have been recorded over the past three years.
Western Cape Social Development Minister Wendy Kaizer-Philander has condemned the latest attack and called for stronger protection for staff.
She emphasised that social service workers need to perform their duties safely, without the threat of criminal attacks.
Minister condemns attacks
Expressing her outrage over the recurring targeting of personnel who serve and safeguard vulnerable communities, Philander said, “It is deeply distressing to receive news of yet another incident of this nature, particularly during Social Development Month.”
Highlighting their crucial role, she added, “Social service professionals play a critical role in protecting children, supporting families and strengthening communities.”
This latest attack pushes the count of hijacked departmental staff to 28 since the start of the year, contributing to a total of 86 assaults recorded over the last three years.
Philander said: "Such acts are completely unacceptable and demand the strongest condemnation."
She noted that the department had welcomed the retrieval of a hijacked vehicle earlier this month.
Child protection services declared essential
Philander stressed that while recovering stolen vehicles and making arrests are critical steps, those responsible must face full accountability, as such attacks cannot be allowed to become normalised.
She added that child protection services are vital for safeguarding vulnerable children.
The recent classification of critical child protection services as essential services marks a key effort to strengthen delivery, with social service professionals playing a central role.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration’s Essential Services Committee has directed the relevant parties to negotiate and conclude a minimum service agreement within 90 days of the designation.
The Department will participate in CCMA representations to secure safe, effective child protection services during minimum service agreement negotiations.
Philander pledged to collaborate with SAPS to improve safety, protect staff, and bring perpetrators to justice while maintaining essential community services.
The Department remains dedicated to serving those in need and partnering with SAPS to bring criminals to justice. Anyone with relevant information is urged to report it to SAPS.