MTHATHA – Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta has condemned an incident in which a social worker was seriously injured after allegedly being stabbed by a woman who entered the department’s King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) offices in Mthatha on Monday, 12 October.
Fanta said the incident was deeply concerning and had caused distress among employees and members of the public who accessed services at the offices.
She added that the department’s social workers performed a critical role in supporting vulnerable individuals, families and communities.
“They should be able to carry out their responsibilities in a safe and secure working environment. We strongly condemn this violent attack on one of our dedicated employees,” said Fanta.
“Our social workers serve communities under difficult circumstances and should never be exposed to violence while performing their duties. We wish the victim a speedy and complete recovery and assure the employee and colleagues that the department will provide the necessary support.”
She confirmed that the suspect was arrested following the incident.
“The department appreciates the swift response of the law-enforcement authorities and trusts that the matter will proceed through the criminal justice system.”
Fanta added that the department would cooperate with the relevant authorities and provide any necessary information to assist with the investigation.
Fanta has called on employees and members of the public to remain calm and allow law-enforcement officials to conduct their work.
She stated that violence, intimidation and threats had no place in public institutions, which existed to provide essential services to communities.
The department is engaging with the Department of Public Works to urgently review and improve security measures at the KSD offices.
“These discussions include strengthening access control, improving visitor-management procedures and assessing other measures required to protect employees and members of the public. The safety of our employees and service users remains a priority,” she said.
“We are working together with the Department of Public Works to identify security gaps and implement appropriate interventions. No employee should feel unsafe in the workplace and no member of the public should be exposed to unnecessary danger while accessing government services.”
Fanta has also urged employees to remain vigilant and to report any security concerns, suspicious behaviour or threats through the appropriate internal and law-enforcement channels.
Employees were encouraged to support one another and to access psychosocial assistance if they had been affected by the incident.
“The department recognises that social workers often deal with people experiencing severe emotional, social and personal difficulties. While service users must be treated with dignity and compassion, this must never be interpreted as permission to threaten, assault or endanger employees,” said Fanta.
Fanta extended her support to the injured social worker, the employee’s family and colleagues at the KSD offices.
She thanked emergency personnel, law-enforcement officials and all staff members who responded to the incident.
The department remained committed to working with its stakeholders to ensure that social development offices were safe, accessible and conducive to the delivery of quality services.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that a woman (37), a community member, stabbed a female employee (48) at the KD Matanzima Building in Mthatha.
“The victim, a social worker, sustained stab wounds to her back and was rushed to hospital. A case of attempted murder has been opened and the suspect has been arrested. She is due to appear before the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court soon. The motive for the offence is unknown at this stage,” said Gantana.
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