Johannesburg – Three suspects have been arrested following the circulation of a disturbing video that went viral on social media, showing a young boy lighting drugs for his mother and being encouraged to smoke them.
According to a statement released by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the incident took place in Newclare and was brought to the attention of law enforcement through a community tip-off.
Officers from the JMPD K9 Unit responded swiftly on Tuesday, 29 July, and tracked down the individuals involved.
The video, which began trending on social media earlier in the day, drew widespread outrage for showing the child lighting drugs in a bottle neck while surrounded by adults, including his mother, who appeared to encourage the behaviour.
#JMPD OFFICERS APPREHEND SUSPECTS IN VIRAL CHILD ABUSE VIDEO
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
— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) July 30, 2025
“Upon arrival, officers located the mother, who matched the description from the video,” the JMPD said. She went on to identify two other individuals featured in the footage, including the person who filmed the incident. All three suspects reportedly confessed to using the drug known as “madrex” and confirmed their involvement in the video.
The suspects were arrested on charges of child abuse and neglect and are currently being held at the Sophiatown SAPS. Their mobile phones were seized as evidence.
Meanwhile, the child has been removed from the environment and placed in the protective care of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit.
JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca thanked the community member who alerted authorities, saying, “This successful operation underscores the JMPD’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and holding accountable those who endanger them.”
An investigation is ongoing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
