Omanghana
South African police have arrested a pastor and his wife after approximately 200 people, including two children, were discovered at a suspected unregistered rehabilitation center in Mpumalanga, with some residents allegedly chained together.
The 59-year-old pastor and his 58-year-old wife were arrested on Friday, October 16, following an inspection at a church in Waterval B, Siyabuswa, the previous day. Officials from the Department of Social Development requested police assistance after discovering conditions that raised serious concerns about residents’ safety and welfare.
According to police, the couple initially told inspectors that the premises accommodated about 60 people. Officials subsequently found approximately 200 residents, including around 30 females. Some had come from communities in Soweto, Springs and Rustenburg.
Authorities reported overcrowded rooms, inadequate sanitation facilities and locked water taps. Some residents had sores, while others were allegedly restrained with chains. Fourteen people were taken for medical treatment.
An 11-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were among those found at the premises, where adults were also being accommodated.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the center lacked the registration and authorization required to operate as a rehabilitation facility. The couple face allegations of kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment center and failing to meet applicable health and safety standards. These include requirements under the National Health Act and local environmental health by-laws.
Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said detectives and specialized units were investigating the circumstances surrounding the facility’s operation. Further arrests and additional charges have not been ruled out.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, October 19, 2026. The allegations against them have yet to be tested in court.
Source: Omanghana
