Case against Joburg mom accused of forcing child to smoke drugs returns to court
The woman and three other men have been in custody since their arrest in July.
Three men, including the mother, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, 31 July 2025, on charges of child abuse and attempted murder after a video of the a minor (4) was forced to take drugs. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The case against a Johannesburg mother accused of forcing her four-year-old son to smoke drugs returns to court on Monday morning.
The woman and three other men have been in custody since their arrest in July.
The group is facing serious allegations of child abuse and attempted murder - both Schedule 5 offences that make securing bail extremely difficult.
ALSO READ:
• Boy (4) in video being told to take drugs placed into secure care - JMPD
• JMPD confirm arrest of 3 suspects seen engaging in drugs with minor (4)
Monday’s appearance is expected to clarify whether they’ll apply for bail or formally enter pleas.
Security is expected to be tight at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court, where the case has drawn strong public interest and outrage.
The State has already made its position clear: it will strongly oppose bail, pointing to the seriousness of the allegations and the vulnerability of the child victim.
The accused have allegedly admitted to giving the child Mandrax but toxicology results are still pending.
The boy remains in the care of social workers, who are closely monitoring his recovery.