A fresh hijacking involving Western Cape social service professionals has pushed the number of similar incidents involving departmental staff to 28 this year.

According to Cape {town} Etc, two social service professionals were hijacked in Khayelitsha on 19 October while travelling to a court appearance in Parow.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development says the attack happened at about 10:10 and has renewed concern over the safety of officials working in vulnerable communities.

Attacks Have Increased This Year

The latest incident forms part of a broader rise in attacks on Department of Social Development employees.

Official provincial figures show that 27 hijackings had already been recorded by the end of September, compared with 17 during the previous financial year. The department also reported 86 hijackings involving employees since 2023.

An earlier departmental statement in August said several attacks had occurred in Khayelitsha, including an attempted hijacking in which a staff member was shot at.

Western Cape Social Development Minister Wendy Kaizer-Philander said professionals must be able to carry out their duties without fear of being targeted.

Safety Measures Already in Place

The department says several measures have been introduced to reduce risks.

These include removing identifying information from government vehicles, strengthening security at some offices and directing social workers to travel in pairs in certain areas. Police escorts are also used in high-risk locations where possible.

Earlier this month, the department welcomed the recovery of a hijacked vehicle and arrests linked to one of the incidents, but warned that attacks on staff cannot become normalised.

Child Protection Services at Risk

The safety concerns come as critical child protection functions have been formally recognised as essential services.

The designation covers services including emergency child protection interventions, Children’s Court investigations, foster care supervision and psychosocial support.

The Essential Services Committee has given the relevant parties 90 days to conclude a minimum service agreement to ensure these services can continue.

Kaizer-Philander says the department will continue working with SAPS to strengthen protection for social service professionals.

Members of the public with information about attacks on departmental staff have been urged to report it to police.