Mpumalanga couple arrested after 200 people found at alleged illegal rehab centre
A couple in Mpumalanga, South Africa, has been arrested for operating an illegal rehabilitation center where 200 people were found living in inhumane conditions. Charges include kidnapping and violations of health and safety standards.
Why it matters
The discovery exposes the dangers of unregulated health facilities and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking substance abuse treatment.
A 59-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman have been arrested after about 200 people, including children, were found living in overcrowded and inhumane conditions at an alleged illegal rehabilitation centre in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga.
The couple were arrested on Friday morning after an inspection at a church in Waterval B on Thursday, where officials found people living in conditions that included overcrowded rooms, a lack of ablution facilities and locked water taps.
Preliminary investigations suggested that the premises had been operating as a rehabilitation centre without the required registration authorisation.
The couple face charges of kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment centre and failing to comply with health and safety standards.
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