‘Extortionists now demanding protection fees from social workers’

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has warned that extortionists are now demanding protection fees from social workers.

The party said that it’s also concerned about the increased attacks on social workers. The Western Cape social development department is reportedly spending R20 million on overtime, to double-up social workers operating in high-risk areas.

DA’s Chairperson for the Standing Committee on Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, in the Western Cape Provincial legislature, says, “One can’t even begin to comprehend as to why something like this would even happen. The attacks on social workers, whether it’s physical, hijackings are on the increase, assault as well. We heard now also; extortion of social workers is also now something that we need to be concerned about. From what we’ve gathered … is that while social workers are in the vulnerable communities, doing the very crucial and important job, they are now threatened and asked they should give money, or they will be hurt.”

Video: Extortionists target Cape Town social workers: Wendy Kaizer-Philander weighs in