Patients in chains rescued from suspected illegal rehab centre in South Africa

In South Africa, a pastor and his wife have been apprehended after 200 individuals, including some restrained with chains, were discovered at a purportedly illicit rehabilitation center in Mpumalanga province, according to officials. The discovery came during a raid by law enforcement on Thursday, revealing "unbearable inhuman conditions" within the facility located within a church.

Patients were observed suffering from skin lesions across their bodies while others were chained to one another. The suspected couple, currently at large, have been charged with kidnapping, with the possibility of additional charges being brought forth.

The couple, who allegedly managed the center, claimed they were housing 60 people, however, upon investigation, it was revealed that over 180 individuals were present, including more than 30 women. Most of the occupants were believed to be individuals battling drug addiction. Upon inspection, it was found that they were housed in overcrowded rooms, lacking access to functional sanitation facilities and running water. Among the detainees, a 16-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy were found cohabiting with adults.

Gift Skhosana, one of the incarcerated individuals, revealed that it was common for patients to be chained as a form of punishment. Despite this, Skhosana, who had previously struggled with substance abuse, stated that the facility had assisted him in overcoming his addiction. Another detained person expressed the need for mental health support following his experience at the center.

The accused couple demanded a monthly fee of 3,000 rand ($182; £137) per patient, with nearly half of this amount directed towards the church.

Fourteen of the detainees have been hospitalized for additional medical attention, while 132 have been reunited with their families. The couple is scheduled to make their court appearance on Monday.