Ballito ‘toddler arrest’: Probe launched, as Ramaphosa alerted to incident

Investigations into a shocking viral video shared on Monday have begun in earnest, after the KwaDukuza Municipality revealed that they were looking into an incident where ‘peace officers’ allegedly attempted to detain a young child. The altercation in Ballito, KZN – dubbed as the ‘toddler arrest’ – has caused national outrage.

Ballito video sparks outrage

The video shows two officers walking through the gate of a residential property and grabbing a toddler. The child screams and a male adult, now established as the father, can be seen running towards the officers. It’s understood the family had visited the beach between the advised exercise hours, but their return home caused something of a scuffle.

The man is then detained, while the child can be seen running towards a group of women on the premises. The harrowing cries and sobs of the children are heard during the clip, which can be viewed here. Throughout the footage, the officers break social distancing laws by forcibly grabbing innocent parties.

This scarcely-believable bit of ‘law enforcement’ has enraged the South African public, and politicians alike. Here’s what the elected officials of the country make of it all.

Political reaction to Ballito toddler arrest

ANC: KwaDukuza Municipality vows to get to the bottom of things

“KwaDukuza Municipality notes the video making rounds on social media of two of its peace officers who seem to be in a scuffle with father and child in the Shakas Rock area in Ballito. We’re engaged with an investigation to ascertain facts of the whole incident but do take cognisance of the emotive issues at hand.”

“KwaDukuza Municipality will issue a formal statement on this subject, once it has concluded the relevant consultations. We appeal for calm and cooperation in our community while we endeavour to deal with this matter. We don’t condone any form of abuse levelled against our residents particularly women and children.”

KwaDukuza Municipality, where Ballito is located

DA: Dean Macpherson slams police brutality

“This is the thuggish behavior that the ANC government is dishing out to citizens, including children. This lockdown has resulted in a state who’s security services grow more vicious and is hell-bent on flexing its muscles to show citizens who’s in control.”

Dean Macpherson, shadow minister for trade

FF Plus: Party alert Cyril Ramaphosa to ‘toddler arrest’

“The FF Plus contacted the Office of President Cyril Ramaphosa straightaway and sent him video footage after a shocking video was posted on social media showing law enforcement officers of the KwaDukuza Municipality apparently trying to arrest a toddler. The officers involved must not remain in their posts.”

“The Office of the President has already acknowledged receipt. The incident is a gross and shocking example of the absolute abuse of power. Making children targets of abuse of power only reinforces the perception that many the lockdown regulations are being enforced in a draconian manner and that is utterly unacceptable.”

FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald