Toddler forced to smoke drugs by older sibling placed in safe care | Western Cape Government

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Toddler forced to smoke drugs by older sibling placed in safe care

20 March 2015

[Note to Editors – We had mistakenly listed the child’s age as 4 years old, she is actually 3 years old. The older brother has been confirmed to be 18 years old.]

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has taken action by temporarily placing the 3 year old girl and her 13 year old sister in safe care with family friends.

The department prioritizes the safety and well-being of the children as empowered by the Children’s Act no. 38 of 2005. Our investigation and assessment of the situation continues, and we have gotten one of  our NGO partners, the Cape Town Child Welfare, to assist us.

Part of our investigation will include approaching the South African Police Service (SAPS) to lay criminal charges of child abuse and the contravention of the Children’s Act. 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.

Media Enquiries: 

Minister Albert Fritz

083 307 0192

Sihle Ngobese

Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development

Western Cape Government

7th floor, 14 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town, 8000

Tel : (021) 483 9217

Cell :  083 280 9199

Email : Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za