Patients in chains rescued from suspected illegal rehab centre in South Africa
A pastor and his wife have been arrested in South Africa after 200 people, some in chains, were found held at a suspected illegal rehabilitation centre in the north-eastern part of the country.
In South Africa, a pastor and his wife have been apprehended following the discovery of 200 individuals, some of whom were found chained together, held at a suspected illegal rehabilitation centre in Mpumalanga province. The facility, operating from a church, was raided by officials on Thursday, who uncovered "gross inhumane conditions" during their operation.
Among the detainees were a 16-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy, who were kept in the same room as adults, along with over 30 women. The couple, who were running the facility, charged a monthly fee of 3,000 rand ($182; £137) and were accused of kidnapping, with the possibility of additional charges. The detainees were found in overcrowded rooms, lacking proper sanitation facilities, and some had been at the centre for an extended period.
Despite the inhumane conditions, some detainees, including Gift Skhosana, reported that the facility had helped them overcome their addiction. Fourteen individuals from the centre have been hospitalized for further medical treatment, while 132 have been reunited with their families. The couple is set to appear in court on Monday.
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