Another new target for criminal mafias in South Africa
Criminal mafias are focusing on a new target in South Africa – social workers.
Social workers who operate in vulnerable communities in the Western Cape are increasingly dealing with extortionists demanding protection money, adding to the other risks that they already face, like physical attacks and hijackings.
The Provincial Department of Social Development, the South African Police Service, the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate, and Government Motor Transport (an entity within the Department of Mobility) shared the information during a Standing Committee meeting.
“To address social worker safety concerns, the Provincial Department of Social Development (DSD)conducts daily check-ins with SAPS to assess risk levels in specific areas and determine whether it is safe for social workers to enter on a given day,” said Western Cape MPP Wendy Kaizer-Philander.
“The Department has also implemented 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.”
However, the Provincial DSD still faces significant challenges, such as budget constraints and criminals entering Social Development offices under the guise of seeking assistance and attempting robberies once inside.
Over the last year, attacks on social workers have also increased, with most having been recorded in the last year. 41 attacks have been reported, which include six robberies and assaults and 35 hijackings.
The crimes primarily occur in Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Elsies River, Crossroads, Philippi, Gugulethu, Delft, Mitchells Plain, and Langa.
Many of these social workers, who are often women, are reassigned to new areas after attacks due to their psychological toll, which impacts service delivery to the communities that rely on them.
“The Department’s safety measures, while necessary, have also increased operational costs. The R20 million spent on overtime to accommodate the need for two social workers per case in high-risk areas is straining the Department’s resources,” said Kaizer-Philander.
“Additionally, doubling up on cases reduces the overall number of cases that can be handled, stretching the Department’s already limited capacity.”
There have been several other incidents where Department staff have been seriously injured, with one staff shot in the neck and another killed while off-duty.
Kaizer-Philander added that the attacks are not limited to social workers; other Provincial departments face similar dangers in high-risk areas.
The SAPS said the community must do more to stop these attacks. Many social workers now attend the Community Policing Forum (CPF) to foster ties with the communities they serve.
“The DA once again calls 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,” said Kaizer-Philander.
“Without national intervention and harsher penalties for those who target social workers, we risk losing more than just vehicles and resources—we risk losing the very people who provide vital social services to our most vulnerable citizens.”
Mafia hotspot
South Africa’s problems with crime syndicates are well documented.
The most prominent in recent months has been the construction mafia. These groups are often linked to local business forums or criminal networks and demand a share of a construction project’s profits. They will then use violence, intimidation, and extortion to get their way.
Recent reports show that criminals also target water tankers, schools and even people’s pensions.
The SAPS said that 319 extortion cases were reported from 01 April 2023 to 31 August 2024, with the Western Cape registering the most cases, 119.
The number of arrests linked to these cases stands at 151, with 69 in the Western Cape, 24 in the Eastern Cape, 23 in Gauteng, and 20 in KZN.
Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said that 14 extortionists were recently shot and killed during confrontations with police in various provinces:
- Eastern Cape: Three extortionists who tailed police were killed in Mthatha;
- Kwazulu-Natal: Six extortionists were shot in confrontations with authorities;
- Gauteng: An Emfuleni municipality worker and a party leader were arrested for extorting a contractor; three others were arrested in Johannesburg for halting construction;
- Cape Town: An extortionist was arrested for killing a 4-year-old girl during an extortion attempt.
Read: TymeBank is crushing it – but the international business is beating South Africa
Loading ...
