- Police discovered roughly 200 people, including around 32 women, at an unregistered rehabilitation centre in Waterval B near Siyabuswa
- The facility had been operating illegally, according to social development officials who were on the scene conducting inspections
- South Africans shared mixed reactions to the news as some defended the rehab facility, while others criticised it
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
MPUMALANGA — Police uncovered approximately 200 people allegedly being held at an unregistered rehabilitation centre in Waterval B, near Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga, on 15 October 2026.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the discovery began when social development officials conducting routine inspections received a tip-off about the property.
They requested police backup before proceeding to the scene.
How the facility was uncovered
When officers arrived, a man and woman at the property initially claimed they operated a small rehab with only six residents.
Police escorted the couple inside to verify the claim, at which point they found roughly 200 people on the premises. Of those, approximately 32 were women, with the remainder being men. The individuals were discovered chained and starved at the facility, indicating possible severe conditions and neglect.
Brigadier Mdhluli told SABC News that residents had been brought from various locations, including as far as Rustenburg, Hazyview, Mamelodi and surrounding areas.
Environmental and legal violations identified
Environmental health officials were subsequently called to the scene, where they identified contraventions of the Environmental Act. Social development authorities confirmed the facility had been operating illicitly. Police remained on the premises to gather evidence and coordinate efforts to reunite those found there with their families.
The man and woman, who are a pastor and his wife, have been arrested.
How did South Africans react?
The incident drew significant debate on social media, with users divided over the nature of the facility.
@Salongok Mkulu wrote:
"What type of rehabilitation school keeps people on chains? Is that rehabilitating them or punishing them? Or does it work as a mental hospital?"
@Guliwe Emmanuel commented:
"The intentions were good and sincere. The method used is wrong."
@Zandile Khukhma offered a contrasting view:
"I know people who went to that rehab, and they are now clean; it's one of the best rehabs and highly recommended."
@Nteboheleng Mohlachane said:
"Pastor, again. The problem is everyone can open the church and become a pastor without any rules."
@Wisani Mathebula quipped:
"Netflix is sleeping on South Africa...the stories coming out of this country can sustain them for years! In the film industry, I tell you!"
@Thabang Khulelizako Kabini added:
"That rehab was actually one of the best; they healed a lot of drug addicts."
Source: Briefly News