The Gauteng Department of Social Development has welcomed the arrest of three suspects involved in video footage that has emerged depicting a toddler smoking a pipe with an unknown substance in a broken bottle top.
“The Gauteng Department of Social Development is condemning the behaviour of parents following a video that went viral on social media where a toddler is seen smoking a pipe with an unknown substance in a broken bottle top. The department categorically wishes to state that it is gravely outraged by the irresponsible behaviour of the toddler’s parents and further commits to investigating the incident in order to provide the necessary intervention that will help the child.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the department further condemned actions that harm children, such as violence and negligence and emphasised the importance of positive role models and responsible behaviour towards children.
“This incident is both unfortunate and barbaric, and the department welcomes the arrest of the three suspects involved from Newclare in Johannesburg, including the mother who is detained at a police station. The department calls on community members (particularly those who claim to be community activist and take to posting on social media) to instead take action against these kinds of incidents by reporting to the relevant institutions and/or law enforcement agencies.
“Rather than share such videos widely, the department appeals to the citizens to forward such videos to the police or to the department so that action can be taken against perpetrators, whilst ensuring children’s rights are protected and not violated through such social media postings.”
As the custodian of the Children's Act, the department condemned the constant disregard of children’s safety and protection in the province.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police confirmed the arrests in the matter.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) responded to a call from Sophiatown police station about a child who was brought to the police station by Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the grandmother.
“The child was recorded on a video being given what appeared to be drugs and also being given those drugs to smoke. The Johannesburg FCS Unit commander Lieutenant Colonel Marema Mogale and his members responded immediately at about midnight. Three people, the mother and two men, were detained as they were brought to the police station by [the] JMPD,” said the SAPS on Wednesday.
The three-year-old boy was taken to hospital for medical attention and then taken to a place of safety.
The trio were expected to appear before the Johannesburg Regional Court on Thursday, 31 July 2025, on child abuse charges. - SAnews.gov.za
