Toddler forced to smoke drugs by older sibling located

The Department of Social Development (DSD) prioritizes the safety and well-being of all children in the Western Cape, and we are empowered by the Children’s Act no. 38 of 2005 to take action and act in the best interests of children.

The DSD Ministry was yesterday (17 March 2015) made aware of a 17 year-old teenager who had posted pictures on social media of him allegedly coercing his 4 year-old sister to smoke marijuana. Our social workers from the Metro South Regional Office were immediately activated, and launched an investigation to try track the whereabouts of the toddler, made difficult given the lack of information and an address.

Social workers managed to trace the location of the toddler today, and have approached the child’s mother to intervene. The South African Police Service (SAPS) have been requested to assist in the situation, given the 17 year-olds alleged gang connections, and to establish his whereabouts.

The department is currently investigating the situation. A thorough assessment of the family will be done, and the necessary action will be taken by the department to protect the toddler. In addition, the department will work with the SAPS to locate the teenager, with the view of rendering the necessary youth-at-risk remedial interventions.