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 lighting drugs in a bottle neck for his mother, who then encouraged him to smoke, all in the presence of other adults.
On Tuesday, 29 July, JMPD K9 Unit Officers, while on routine 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 questioned them about the footage. All three suspects confessed to using “madrex” and admitted to filming the incident.
The suspects were promptly arrested on charges of child abuse and neglect. Their cellphones were confiscated as evidence.
All three suspects were detained at Sophiatown South African Police Service (SAPS).
Crucially, the child involved in the video has been safely removed from the environment and placed into the secure care of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit.
“The JMPD commends the vigilance of the community member who provided the tip-off, enabling a rapid response and ensuring the child’s safety. 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,” said JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca.
