A South African pastor and his wife have been arrested after authorities discovered approximately 200 people, including children, living in overcrowded and allegedly inhumane conditions at an unregistered drug rehabilitation centre in Mpumalanga province. Some residents were reportedly chained together, while others had untreated wounds and limited access to basic sanitation.
The discovery was made on Thursday, October 15, during an inspection by officials from the Department of Social Development, assisted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), at a church premises in Waterval B, Siyabuswa.
The 59-year-old pastor and his 58-year-old wife were arrested the following morning on suspicion of kidnapping and operating an unregistered treatment facility in violation of South African legislation.
Police said the investigation could result in additional charges and further arrests.
Shocking conditions uncovered
According to provincial authorities, the couple initially claimed that approximately 60 people were being accommodated at the church-run facility.
However, an inspection revealed that around 200 people were living on the premises, including more than 30 women.
Among those discovered were an 11-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl, who were reportedly being accommodated alongside adults.
Officials described the conditions as grossly inhumane, with severely overcrowded rooms, inadequate toilet facilities and restricted access to running water.
Some residents were found with sores covering their bodies, while others had allegedly been chained together.
In one room, 37 people were reportedly being accommodated, raising serious concerns about hygiene, overcrowding and the treatment of vulnerable individuals seeking rehabilitation.
Authorities believe some residents had been staying at the facility for more than six months.
Patients charged R3,000 monthly
Investigators also uncovered allegations that residents were charged R3,000 per month for accommodation and rehabilitation services.
According to the Department of Social Development, approximately R1,300 from each payment was reportedly allocated to the church through an arrangement involving individuals described as recruiters or “scouters”.
Preliminary investigations indicate that some residents had travelled from Soweto, Springs, Rustenburg, Mamelodi and other areas of South Africa.
The circumstances surrounding their admission, treatment and continued confinement remain under investigation.
Authorities are also examining whether individuals were admitted against their will and whether the operation breached laws governing substance abuse treatment facilities.
Victims reunited with families
Following the operation, 14 people were transported to hospital for medical treatment.
Social development officials have also begun reuniting residents with their families, while arranging further assistance for those requiring medical care, psychological support or continued rehabilitation.
The department said it was coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure that affected individuals could access appropriate social services.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed that a team of investigators and specialised police units had been assembled to examine the circumstances surrounding the facility’s operation.
The pastor and his wife are expected to appear before the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, October 19.
Growing concerns over illegal rehabilitation centres
The discovery has renewed concerns about the regulation of private drug rehabilitation facilities in South Africa, particularly those operating without proper registration or government oversight.
The country has faced mounting challenges related to substance abuse, with increasing demand for affordable treatment and rehabilitation services.
Unregistered centres pose significant risks to vulnerable individuals, particularly where treatment is provided without qualified healthcare professionals, adequate infrastructure or independent monitoring.
The Mpumalanga case has highlighted the potential dangers faced by people seeking help for addiction when facilities operate outside established legal and medical safeguards.
Police say investigations are continuing, with further criminal charges possible as authorities examine allegations of unlawful confinement, mistreatment and breaches of health and safety legislation.
