DA calls on national govt to quell attacks on WC social workers

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape (WC) is calling on national government to step in and help stop the attacks on social workers in the province.

This follows reported attacks on the Department of Social Development Department (DSD) employees in hotspot areas including Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Nyanga.

In May, two staff members were hijacked and shot at in Khayelitsha.

Prior to that, the department said five attacks on its staff were reported since the beginning of the year.

DSD spokesperson in the province Wendy Kaizer-Philander said the attacks targeted the State.

"Any attack on a social worker is not just an attack on an individual, but an assault on the very fabric of our society. Such acts should be regarded as attacks on the State itself. These hardened criminals must be held accountable for their actions, and we will not tolerate violence against those who dedicate their lives to helping others in need."