By Palesa Matlala
- The four accused appeared in court after a video showed a toddler being forced to take drugs. They remain in custody for now.
- They are charged with attempted murder, child abuse and neglect, and will return to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 4 August.
A mother and three other adults have been charged with attempted murder after forcing a little boy to take drugs.
They appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The case was postponed to allow them time to apply for legal aid and prepare for a formal bail hearing.
The accused remain behind bars and face serious charges of attempted murder, child abuse and child neglect.
This comes after a video went viral showing the toddler being made to take a drug known as mandrax. The boy has since been taken to a place of safety and is receiving medical treatment.
Newclare ward councillor Marilyne Smouse said outside court that the incident was heartbreaking. “It is inhuman. It is sad to see mums, fathers, and brothers do this to a little boy who can’t defend himself,” she said.
She blamed poverty and the lack of support from the government in Westbury and the surrounding areas. “We are being marginalised. Our children have potential, but they’re trapped by drugs and unemployment,” Smouse said.
Action SA Member of Parliament Dereleen James said the child had suffered extreme abuse. “This is gross neglect and attempted murder,” she said.
James also criticised the shortage of social workers, saying the system often fails children in vulnerable communities.
“These cases get struck off the court roll because there aren’t enough social workers. Children are sent back to abusers,” she said.
The case will resume on Monday, 4 August.
Pictured above: The suspects in court.
Image source: Palesa Matlala
