Three suspects arrested in Newclare, Johannesburg, will face charges of child abuse and neglect. This was after a video went viral on social media showing a young boy lighting drugs for his mother.

The mother is also shown allegedly asking her son to smoke the drugs.

Johannesburg Metro Police Xolani Fihla says the child has since been taken to a place of safety.

“On Tuesday, 29 July, JMPD K9 Unit officers on patrol received a crucial tip-off identifying the suspects and their whereabouts. Officers immediately responded to the given address in Newclare. Upon arrival, officers located the mother, who matched the description from the video. When questioned, she identified two other individuals present in the video, including the person who recorded it. officers approached the identified suspects, introduced themselves and then questioned them about the footage. All three suspects confessed to using “Madrex” and admitted to filming the incident.”

#sapsGP Gauteng #sapsFCS Unit responded to a call from Sophiatown police station about a child who was brought to the police station by Johannesburg Metro Police and the grandmother.

The child was recorded on a video being given what appeared to be drugs and also being given… pic.twitter.com/i1lluFmBfZ

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 30, 2025

[SUSPECTS ARRESTED]

The Johannesburg SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit followed up on the matter. As a result, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The child involved has been removed and will be placed in a… https://t.co/6D1P9Gutgd

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) July 30, 2025