Mapaballo Borotho

- Johannesburg mother and three others charged with attempted murder and child abuse after video shows toddler smoking drugs.
- State to oppose bail, citing Schedule 5 offence; suspects expected back in court on Monday.
- The four-year-old child has been taken to a place of safety after receiving medical attention.
The Johannesburg mother who was filmed encouraging her four-year-old toddler to smoke drugs appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning.
She and her three co-accused were arrested on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, after the disturbing video went viral on social media, sparking nationwide outrage.
The state has added a charge of attempted murder against all four accused, who are now facing two charges, including child abuse.
The state further confirmed they will oppose bail, as the matter is classified as a Schedule 5 offence.
The court ordered that the media not reveal the identities of the accused until they have secured legal representation.
The suspects are expected to return to court on Monday.
Meanwhile, the toddler was taken to the hospital shortly after the mother’s arrest and has since been placed in a place of safety.
A Johannesburg mother and three co-accused have been charged with attempted murder and child abuse after a viral video showed her encouraging her four-year-old toddler to smoke drugs.
The state confirmed it will oppose bail as the case is classified as a Schedule 5 offence.
The child has been placed in a place of safety.
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