Wendy Dondolo|Published
A couple has been arrested in Mpumalanga following the discovery of a suspected illegal rehabilitation centre where approximately 200 people were allegedly being kept, with police investigating kidnapping and violations of health and safety regulations.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the 59-year-old man and 58-year-old woman were arrested on Friday morning, following an operation at Waterval B in Siyabuswa, in the Nkangala District.
According to police, the operation began on Thursday, when officials from the Department of Social Development were conducting inspections targeting illegal rehabilitation centres and requested assistance from SAPS at the premises.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the premises was allegedly being operated as a rehabilitation centre,” Mdhluli said.
It is alleged that the couple operated the facility without the required registration authorisation while accommodating approximately 200 people on the property.
Police said 14 people had to be taken for medical treatment during the operation on Thursday night, while the couple was taken in for questioning.
Couple faces kidnapping and unregistered facility charges
The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, as well as contravening section 19(1), read with section 19(13), of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, Act 70 of 2008, relating to the establishment and management of an unregistered treatment centre.
They also face charges relating to failure to comply with health and safety standards under applicable environmental health by-laws and the National Health Act.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and the conditions at the premises are still under investigation.
Police warn of possible further arrests
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise has assembled a team of experienced detectives and specialised units to investigate the case.
“At this stage, Police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests as investigations continue.”
Police said that additional charges could be brought against the suspects depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Couple to appear in court on Monday
The couple is expected to appear before the Mdutjana Magistrate's Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, October 19.
Modise commended officials from the Department of Social Development and environmental health for their role in the operation and assistance in safeguarding the people found at the premises.
The police commissioner also thanked SAPS members involved in the arrests and emphasised that the investigation would continue.
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