MOM GIVES TOT A SHOT

A SHOCKING video showing a Woodstock mother giving her toddler beer to drink has sparked outrage and swift action from local authorities.

The child has been rescued and removed from her care, after they had been reunited just six days before due to a previous case of neglect.

The video, shared widely on social media, shows the woman pouring alcohol into a baby’s mouth as onlookers laugh in the background.

The disturbing footage, which surfaced on 20 October, was swiftly circulated among Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) and other safety stakeholders, prompting an urgent manhunt to locate the woman and her child.

By 24 October, NSOs were on the ground in Woodstock, combing known hotspots and surrounding areas until they successfully tracked her down.

The toddler was immediately taken to the SAPS victim support unit before being placed in the care of the Department of Social Development (DSD).

Ward Councillor Yusuf Mohamed explained: "DSD arrived within 20 minutes and informed us that the mother already has a case of neglect against her. 

“Earlier this year she was allegedly intoxicated and dropped her child. The child was subsequently taken away and moved to a place of safety. The child was only eventually given back to her about six days ago but now we have this footage. The child is now in a place of safety.”

Mohamed praised the quick response of officials, saying: “I would just like to say thank you to the NSOs and DSD for stepping up so quickly.”

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Woodstock SAPS are aware of the video circulating on social media but noted that no formal complaint has yet been registered.

MEC for DSD, Jaco Londt applauded those who helped bring the child to safety and called on the public to remain vigilant in protecting vulnerable children.

Londt added: “Partnerships with civil society, all levels of government and NPOs, are critical in addressing a number of social ills, particularly the safeguarding of children and vulnerable groups.

“We have just over 43 000 children in the foster system in the Western Cape, which puts a strain on the system.

"Any assistance to the Department or NGOs to strengthen the safety nets is welcome. People can volunteer to become safety and/or foster parents or can donate via the Cape Care Fund for the strengthening of NGOs.”