Viral video sparks national outrage as three arrested for forcing a four year old to smoke drugs in Newclare; child rescued and placed in protective care.
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| A still from the viral video shows the young child and his mother smoking from a bottle neck. The footage sparked public outrage and led to their swift identification and arrest by JMPD officers |
Three individuals have been arrested in Newclare after a shocking video surfaced on social media showing a young child being encouraged to smoke drugs. The footage triggered public outrage, with social media users urgently calling on police to locate the child and take swift action.
In the video, a boy believed to be around four years old can be seen lighting a substance in a bottleneck for his mother, who then urges him to inhale it. Adults can be heard in the background, seemingly normalizing the abuse. The video, shared widely on 29 July, drew attention across the country and prompted an immediate law enforcement response.
#JMPD OFFICERS APPREHEND SUSPECTS IN VIRAL CHILD ABUSE VIDEO
— Jo'burg Metro Police Department - JMPD (@JoburgMPD) July 30, 2025
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) is pleased to announce the swift apprehension of three suspects involved in a distressing video that went viral on 29 July 2025. The video depicted a young boy… pic.twitter.com/RJhyhQOQJL
JMPD Tracks Down Suspects
Acting on a tip-off from a concerned community member, officers from the JMPD K9 Unit responded to a house in Newclare while on routine patrol. At the location, they found a woman matching the description of the child’s mother from the viral footage.
After questioning, the woman identified two others present in the video, including the person who filmed it. All three admitted to using a street drug known as “madrex” and confirmed their roles in the disturbing incident.
The suspects were arrested on charges of child abuse and neglect, and their phones were confiscated for evidence. They were taken to Sophiatown SAPS for processing.
Child Rescued and in Protective Care
The child has since been removed from the harmful environment and placed under the care of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, which will oversee his safety and support services moving forward.
Public Praise for Quick Action
Commissioner Patrick Jaca, Chief of the JMPD, credited the swift arrests to community cooperation:
“We are grateful to the community member who came forward with vital information. Their vigilance helped ensure the child’s safety and allowed officers to act fast to hold those responsible accountable.”
The incident remains under investigation as authorities examine the extent of the abuse and the environment the child was living in.
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