Outrage as Woodstock mother filmed feeding alcohol to toddler
A screenshot of a Woodstock mother giving alcohol to her toddler.
Image: Supplied
A video has surfaced showing a Woodstock mother feeding alcohol to her toddler, leading to public outrage and immediate action from local authorities.
The footage, widely shared on social media, captures the woman pouring alcohol into the child's mouth while onlookers laugh. In response to the incident, authorities intervened swiftly, rescuing the child and removal from the mother's care.
The disturbing footage, which surfaced on October 20, 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 October 24, 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.”
Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith echoed the sentiment, commending the officers for their dedication. “Their response helped ensure the child’s safety and shows how local stakeholders can work together towards safer communities,” he said.
Smith also urged residents struggling with substance abuse to seek help. “Anyone battling addiction can contact the City’s Social Development Department or call 0800 872 201 for confidential assistance,” he said.
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.
Ward Councillor Yusuf Mohamed said the Department of Social Development informed them that the mother already has a case of neglect against her.
Image: Supplied
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.
“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,” said Londt. “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.”
Health experts have also sounded the alarm over the dangers of giving alcohol to infants. The South African Medical Research Council warns that even small amounts can damage a child’s brain, liver, and nervous system leading to long-term developmental and behavioural problems.
The Department of Health adds that early exposure to alcohol increases the risk of learning difficulties, attention deficits, and future substance abuse. With South Africa already facing one of the world’s highest rates of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders, authorities are stressing that no amount of alcohol is safe for children especially toddlers.