CAPE TOWN- Attacks on social workers in the Western Cape are increasing, with dozens of incidents reported in the past year.
Social Development MEC Jaco Londt addressed the issue during a legislature sitting on Thursday.
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According to Londt, there have been at least 12 incidents towards social workers reported, including, seven hijackings, four attempted hijackings, and one incident where a staff member was threatened with a knife in their offices.
Additionally, there have been attacks on child and youth care workers as well as nonprofit organisation social workers, he said.
As a result, Londt says the province is pushing for more protection, including classifying attacks as crimes against the state.