Newclare man denied bail in child abuse case

The Johannesburg Magistrates Court has denied bail for one of the four people arrested in connection to the viral smoking incident involving a 4-year-old boy from Newclare, west of Johannesburg.

The 30-year-old, identified as accused number two, was arrested alongside three others – including the child’s mother – after a video surfaced allegedly showing the group encouraging the boy to light and smoke an unknown substance using a bottleneck pipe.

He was the only one of the four to apply for bail, after his co-accused abandoned their applications earlier this month.

Magistrate Annalisa Tlhapi ruled that releasing him would endanger children and undermine public peace. She also cited his 2018 drug conviction as a factor.

Speaking outside court, Ward Councillor Marilyne Smouse welcomed the ruling, saying it sends a strong message to drug users in the area.

Speaking outside court Ward Councillor, Marilyne Smouse, said the ruling sends a strong message to drug users in the area, adding that residents would have been outraged had he been granted bail.

The accused, who maintains his innocence, told the court he had intended to live with his aunt if released. However, prosecutors argued that freeing him could compromise the ongoing investigation.

Magistrate Tlhapi stressed that the court’s role is to consider bail, not determine guilt, and that releasing him would have eroded public confidence in justice.

The four accused who face attempted murder and child abuse charges, will remain in custody until October 3rd as investigations continue.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe