{"id":23721,"date":"2025-08-19T10:35:48","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T08:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=23721"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:00:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:00:49","slug":"child-smoking-drugs-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/child-smoking-drugs-case\/","title":{"rendered":"Viral Newclare Child Drug-Smoking Abuse Case: Bail Judgment Reserved"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A shocking video showing a four-year-old boy being forced to smoke drugs has shaken South Africa. The clip, which went viral on social media, portrays the child being handed a lit drug known as Mandrax and urged to inhale it by adults, including his mother. This tragic incident has led to arrests and serious criminal charges. The Johannesburg Regional Court has now reserved the bail judgment for the accused. This article presents the details of the case, explains the legal process, and sheds light on South Africa&#8217;s ongoing fight to protect children from abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELEVANT ARTICLE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/shocking-viral-video-of-child-smoking-drugs\/\">Shocking Viral Video of Child Smoking Drugs Sparks Outcry in Johannesburg\u2019s Newclare<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-happened-in-the-viral-video\" data-level=\"2\">What Happened in the Viral Video?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-arrests-and-charges\" data-level=\"2\">Arrests and Charges<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-court-proceedings-and-bail-judgment\" data-level=\"2\">Court Proceedings and Bail Judgment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-is-bail-denied-or-reserved-in-such-cases\" data-level=\"2\">Why Is Bail Denied or Reserved in Such Cases?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-role-of-child-protection-services\" data-level=\"2\">The Role of Child Protection Services<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-legal-definitions-child-abuse-and-attempted-murder\" data-level=\"2\">Legal Definitions: Child Abuse and Attempted Murder<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-community-response-and-social-media-impact\" data-level=\"2\">Community Response and Social Media Impact<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-broader-context-child-abuse-in-south-africa\" data-level=\"2\">Broader Context: Child Abuse in South Africa<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-needs-to-be-done-to-prevent-similar-cases\" data-level=\"2\">What Needs to Be Done to Prevent Similar Cases?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-to-support-child-protection-efforts\" data-level=\"2\">How to Support Child Protection Efforts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-path-ahead\" data-level=\"2\">The Path Ahead<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-happened-in-the-viral-video\">What Happened in the Viral Video?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The disturbing video captured public attention and condemnation for showing a young child, no older than four years, being forced to inhale drugs. The footage shows adults laughing and encouraging the child to smoke Mandrex, a harmful substance often abused in South Africa. This act is not only abusive but also a serious criminal offence that exposes the child to immense physical and psychological harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2052797010\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-arrests-and-charges\">Arrests and Charges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After the video spread widely, the Johannesburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit acted swiftly. Police arrested the child&#8217;s mother and three other adults, aged between 28 and 36. Prosecutors charged them with child abuse and attempted murder, reflecting the severe danger they exposed the child to by giving addictive and toxic drugs. Authorities removed the child from the harmful environment and placed them in a secure, supportive care setting, where specialists are providing assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"[GRAPHIC CONTENT] Johannesburg mother arrested after giving a child drug\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CefjNGwyuDQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/CefjNGwyuDQ?si=ql031-jc1GLVpY8z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-court-proceedings-and-bail-judgment\">Court Proceedings and Bail Judgment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Johannesburg Regional Court, the accused <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sabcnews.com\/sabcnews\/four-accused-in-newclare-child-drug-case-to-apply-for-bail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">initially appeared<\/a> without legal representation. They have since obtained lawyers, but the bail judgment remains pending. The court reserved the decision to allow time for the State to verify alternative addresses and ensure all legal procedural requirements are met. Delaying the bail ruling is common in cases involving serious offences to safeguard victims and prevent accused persons from evading justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3158938676\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-bail-denied-or-reserved-in-such-cases\">Why Is Bail Denied or Reserved in Such Cases?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bail denial or reservation in severe child abuse cases is based on protecting the victim and the public. Prosecutors contend that the accused may pose a flight risk or continue to harm the victim or community if released. Given the gravity of the charges, especially attempted murder, the court must carefully weigh the risk factors before granting bail. This precautionary step helps uphold the integrity of the justice process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Four suspects appear in Joburg court over child&#039;s drug smoking video\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TJqHDTQkI04?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/TJqHDTQkI04?si=mlIv6PuHp55I-eDR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-role-of-child-protection-services\">The Role of Child Protection Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside legal proceedings, child protection organisations play a critical role. South African Social Development and related agencies provide emergency shelter, counselling, and psychological support to children rescued from abuse. The trauma caused by physical harm, substance exposure, and removal from familiar surroundings requires specialised care tailored to young children&#8217;s developmental needs. These services are essential for helping the child heal and regain a safe sense of stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"&#039;Do not share videos related to child abuse&#039;, NPA warns\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xX2Bm7H1P2A?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/xX2Bm7H1P2A?si=rO-Pu9FKbL8qKPKi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2858660369\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-legal-definitions-child-abuse-and-attempted-murder\">Legal Definitions: Child Abuse and Attempted Murder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Child Abuse: This refers to acts or omissions that cause physical, emotional, or developmental harm to a child. It includes exposing a child to dangerous substances or neglecting their welfare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attempted Murder: This legal term applies when a person intends to kill another and takes substantial steps toward doing so, but the victim does not die.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The charges against the accused underscore the serious threat to the child\u2019s life and wellbeing, highlighting the criminal nature of forcing drug use on a toddler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-community-response-and-social-media-impact\">Community Response and Social Media Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The viral nature of this case was amplified by social media, which sparked public outrage and quick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeslive.co.za\/news\/south-africa\/2025-08-18-three-of-four-accused-in-toddler-drug-case-including-mom-drop-bail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mobilisation of<\/a> law enforcement. Community members assisted police in identifying and locating suspects. While social media helped expose the abuse, it also prompts ethical debates about sharing sensitive content involving children. Raising awareness while protecting victims&#8217; dignity remains a critical balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2462862528\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-broader-context-child-abuse-in-south-africa\">Broader Context: Child Abuse in South Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This case highlights the alarming reality of child abuse in South Africa, where many children face violence, neglect, and substance-related harm, often within their own families. Advocacy groups like Action Society call for stronger laws, better enforcement, and increased public education. South Africa\u2019s Children\u2019s Act provides legal tools, but challenges remain in identifying and preventing abuse before it escalates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Newclare drug abuse case | Three accused abandon bail, one continues\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tzaPFiaTgnM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/tzaPFiaTgnM?si=jBeiIlaFWnKo2Uxd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-needs-to-be-done-to-prevent-similar-cases\">What Needs to Be Done to Prevent Similar Cases?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Experts recommend several measures to reduce child abuse:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strengthening community vigilance and encouraging timely reporting to authorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bolstering resources for child protection and social services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raising public awareness on children\u2019s rights and the dangers of substance abuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensuring swift legal action and accountability for offenders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Education and support at community level can empower families and bystanders to <a href=\"https:\/\/actionsociety.co.za\/action-society-condemns-shocking-viral-child-abuse-case-urges-swift-justice-and-lifelong-protection-for-victims\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">protect vulnerable<\/a> children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-330369254\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-support-child-protection-efforts\">How to Support Child Protection Efforts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone can contribute to safeguarding children by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reporting suspected abuse to local police or child welfare agencies immediately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting organisations that provide counselling, shelter, and outreach for abused children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocating for drug-free, safe environments for children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraging policy makers to enforce tougher penalties on child abusers and traffickers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, communities and authorities can create safer spaces for children to grow and thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-path-ahead\">The Path Ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This tragic case serves as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/news\/south-africa\/courts\/bail-reserved-viral-child-drug-smoking-video-case\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">stark reminder<\/a> of the vulnerabilities faced by South African children. The legal system\u2019s careful handling of bail and prosecution reflects society\u2019s commitment to justice. Meanwhile, child protection agencies must remain vigilant to ensure survivors receive the help they need. Society as a whole must unite against child abuse in all its forms to safeguard the future of its youngest members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Newclare child abuse case back in court\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/h0TbXVG_cYE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/h0TbXVG_cYE?si=W-k8O-D26QDSH8FG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A viral video showing a four-year-old forced to smoke drugs has shocked South Africa. The accused face child abuse and attempted murder charges. Bail judgment is reserved. Read more on the case and child protection efforts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":23729,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"A viral video showing a four-year-old forced to smoke drugs has shocked South Africa. The accused face child abuse and attempted murder charges. Bail judgment is reserved. Read more on the case and child protection efforts.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[2544,6876,1534],"class_list":{"0":"post-23721","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-child-abuse","9":"tag-child-protection","10":"tag-child-safety"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23721","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23721"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23721\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23737,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23721\/revisions\/23737"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23729"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23721"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23721"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}