Joburg mother faces arrest following viral video of toddler smoking

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has swiftly apprehended three individuals linked to a shocking video that surfaced on Tuesday night, allegedly depicting a toddler smoking from a mandrex-laced pipe.

The disturbing footage quickly went viral, prompting a crucial tip-off that facilitated the arrests. Meanwhile, a police officer from the South African Police Service's Family, Children and Sexual Offences unit may face scrutiny after reportedly telling a complainant that their case would be addressed “tomorrow.”

The video showed a young boy lighting drugs in a bottle neck for his mother, who then allegedly encouraged him to smoke, all in the presence of other adults.

Superintendent Xolani Fihla, JMPD spokesperson, said on Tuesday, JMPD K9 unit officers, while on routine patrol, received a tip-off identifying the suspects seen in the video 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," said Fihla.

Officers approached the identified suspects, introduced themselves, and questioned them about the footage. 

“All three suspects confessed to using ‘mandrex’ and admitted to filming the incident. The suspects were promptly arrested on charges of child abuse and neglect. Their cellphones were confiscated as evidence,” said Fihla.

All three suspects were detained at Sophiatown South African Police Service (SAPS).

The child involved in the video has been safely removed from the environment and placed into the secure care of the SAPS FCS unit.

Meanwhile, JMPD chief of police Commissioner Patrick Jaca has welcomed the arrest, adding that the operation displays JMPD's unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

"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 Jaca.

Meanwhile, the SAPS FCS unit responded to a call from Sophiatown police station about the child, who was brought to the police station by the Johannesburg Metro Police and the grandmother.

The Johannesburg FCS unit commander, Lieutenant Colonel Marema Mogale and his members responded immediately to the scene, at around midnight. 

“Three people, the mother and two men, were immediately detained as they were brought to the police station by JMPD. The three-year-old boy was taken to hospital for medical attention and then taken to a place of safety,” said Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili.

The trio, aged between 28 and 36, will be charged with child abuse under domestic violence.

They will appear before the Johannesburg Regional Court on Thursday.  

Muridili also addressed allegations that one of the FCS unit members was called regarding the incident. The police officer allegedly told the complainant they would respond in the morning. The allegations have been brought to the attention of the provincial head of the FCS unit, Brigadier Phumzile Zulu. 

Zulu has instructed the Johannesburg unit commander to register an inquiry for investigation.

The FCS in Gauteng has 22 units strategically located across the province, servicing 146 police stations. 

Muridili said the province has at least 66 detectives on standby from the specialised FCS unit after hours to attend to cases related to their mandate.

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