Mpumalanga couple arrested after 200 people found at alleged illegal rehabilitation centre
A 59-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman are facing kidnapping charges after police discovered about 200 people at a suspected unregistered rehabilitation centre in Siyabuswa, with 14 people taken for medical treatment.
A couple has been arrested in Mpumalanga following the discovery of a suspected illegal rehabilitation centre where approximately 200 people were allegedly being kept. Police are investigating kidnapping and violations of health and safety regulations. 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.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said that preliminary investigations suggest the premises was allegedly being operated as a rehabilitation centre without the required registration authorisation. The suspects face charges of kidnapping, contravening specific sections of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, and failure to comply with health and safety standards. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be brought depending on the outcome.
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