33-year-old man arrested for forcing child to drink beer in Mitchells Plain

Police have confirmed that a 33-year-old man has been arrested on a charge of child abuse after a video surfaced of him allegedly forcing a four-year-old boy to drink beer.

Days ago police together with social workers from the Department of Social Development (DSD) removed four children between the ages of seven months and 11-years-old from the Tafelsig home in Mitchells Plain.

Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk explained: "A 33-year-old man was arrested on Saturday morning, November 29. He will appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court on Monday, December 1, for the mentioned charge.
"Last week, Cape Argus revealed that whistleblowers called on police to react to a video where the young boy was allegedly forced to drink Black Label beer.

The child also appeared to have bruises on his body. Van Wyk confirmed at the time that a child abuse case was registered for investigation at Mitchells Plain SAPS. "This case was transferred to Mitchells Plain Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS)," he said.

"Four children aged between seven months and 11 years were removed by personnel attached to the Department of Social Development and placed in the care of safety parents. These children were also taken to Thutuzela Centre for medical examination."

DSD said it condemns this type of behaviour, where adults allow children to consume and handle alcohol.

"The effects of alcohol on children can be serious and lifelong. Alcohol consumption can impact brain development and can lead to emotional and behavioural issues," DSD said.

"If people know of instances where adults allow children to consume alcohol, they should report it to their nearest DSD office, designated child protection organisation, or SAPS. With the festive season starting, we urge all adults to act responsibly while caring for children.

"DSD cannot provide the details of a current child protection matter, however, social workers are investigating. If a report of child abuse and/or neglect is received, social workers conduct a risk and safety assessment, which determines the type of the intervention."

DSD added there has been a general increase in the number of children in need of care and protection. In 2023, there were just over 39,000 children in foster care in the province. That number has increased to more than 43,000 in 2025.

In response to the allegations of poor police response regarding the handling of the case, DSD said: "It is disturbing to hear that the SAPS allegedly refused to respond to this matter, as they are required to do as per the Children's Act when receiving reports of alleged child abuse. We have requested the Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety to look into this serious allegation."

Whistleblower, Zona Morton who raised the alarm, said police officers need to be educated regarding the Children's Act and child protection.

Nicholas Gotsell MP - DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice said they were horrified by the incident and called for accountability for SAPS members who allegedly did not respond immediately.

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Cape Argus