Three arrested for viral child smoking video
Three suspects have been arrested in connection to a video depicting a young boy lighting drugs for his mother and being encouraged to smoke.
The Johannesburg metro police confirmed on Wednesday that the suspects, including the boy’s mother, were arrested in Newclare the previous day.
The video, which went viral on social media early Tuesday, triggered widespread outrage and led to a tip-off that helped JMPD K9 officers track down the suspects.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says officers were on routine patrol when they received information about the location of the three individuals.
"Officers responded to the address provided in Newclare, where they found the mother featured in the video. She identified two others seen in the footage, including the person who recorded the incident."
All three suspects were questioned and reportedly admitted to using a drug known as “madrex.” They also allegedly confessed to filming the incident.
Officers immediately arrested them on charges of child abuse and neglect. Their cell phones were confiscated for forensic analysis and use as evidence in court.
The suspects are currently detained at the Sophiatown police station and are expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, the minor seen in the video has been removed from the harmful environment and placed in the care of the South African Police Service’s Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Investigations are ongoing.
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