Ballito toddler case: Fury as investigation says officers ‘did nothing wrong’

The KwaDukuza Municipality has incurred the wrath of the South African public this week, after their reaction to a harrowing viral video of a toddler being manhandled absolved the ‘peace officers’ involved. The altercation in Ballito happened on a chaotic day when 11 people were arrested in the area.

Two local law enforcement officials were filmed picking up a young child and separating him from his family, leaving the boy to scream in distress. Their supposedly ‘heavy-handed treatment’ caused uproar, and sparked an internal investigation from the municipality. However, their conclusion is a little underwhelming.

Ballito toddler ‘arrest’ investigation: Cops off the hook?

According to spokesperson Sipho Mkhize, the family at the centre of this storm had violated lockdown laws by visiting the beach near Ballito. The department explains that the cops were attempting to take the child ‘to a safe place’, and denied that they acted with any force or brutality.

“The KwaDukuza Municipality’s officers received a complaint of none adherence of Disaster Management Act Regulations at the Shakas Rock Tidal Beach near Ballito. It was 8:45 when officers arrived at the Shakas Rock Tidal Beach and observed people being at the beach while it is not allowed during lockdown Level 4.”

“The child was handled in terms of Child Act, and was being taken safety after the arrest of the Father who works for DoH. It is the Officer’s responsibility, like in this case, to safely keep and handle the child in cases of arrests by taking the child to a safe place – which was the case with these officers not manhandling the child.”

Sipho Mkhize, KwaDukuza Municipality

Social media slams ‘dangerous’ officers

It seems no action will be taken against the officers in question, but KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala has confirmed that provincial representatives will conduct their own probe. Meanwhile, the findings sparked outrage online, as Twitter users vented their frustrations:

That was not a scuffle. That was an attempted kidnapping. Why are these incredibly dangerous “peace” officers not in jail yet?

— Kyle McLaren (@kylemclaren) May 12, 2020

Yes, the parents were irresponsible by breaking the law.
But no. This was not responsible or lawful behavior in regards to the physical harassment of a minor. Your officers were extremely heavy handed and should be called out for it. Do not condone abusive behavior.

— Gladys Kravitz (@GladysKZee) May 12, 2020