-Staff Writer / Mon, 30 Dec 2025
Police in the Eastern Cape have launched a criminal investigation after a viral video surfaced allegedly showing young children consuming alcohol in Ngqamakhwe on Christmas Day.
“The South African Police Service views this incident in an extremely serious light. The National Liquor Act exists to protect the well-being of children, and any person found to be facilitating underage drinking will face the full might of the law,” said Eastern Cape SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana.
According to police, members of Ngqamakhwe SAPS opened a case on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, after the video began circulating on social media. Investigators were able to trace the incident to a household in the Khothane Administrative Area, Santini Location, in Ngqamakhwe.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident allegedly involved five minors. The children are reported to be between the ages of eight and 12, with the eldest being 12 years old, two aged 11, and two aged eight.
As a result, police have registered a case docket for contravention of the National Liquor Act (Act 59 of 2003), which criminalises the supply or making available of alcohol to persons under the age of 18.
No arrests have been made at this stage. Police said the investigation is ongoing, and once it is finalised, the case docket will be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision on possible prosecution.
Brigadier Gantana also urged parents, guardians and community members to take responsibility for the safety of children. “We appeal to parents, guardians, and community members to act responsibly and prioritise the safety of children at all times,” she said.
Police have reiterated that supplying alcohol to minors is a serious offence and warned that those found guilty could face severe legal consequences.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
