A disturbing discovery at a church-run rehabilitation centre in South Africa has led to the arrest of a pastor and his wife after authorities reportedly found around 200 people living in overcrowded and inhumane conditions.
The operation took place in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga province, where officials investigating suspected illegal rehabilitation facilities uncovered a centre allegedly operating without the required registration and authorisation.
According to reports, the facility was accommodating people believed to be receiving treatment for substance addiction. However, what investigators found during the inspection raised serious concerns about the safety and welfare of those inside.
The 59-year-old pastor and his 58-year-old wife were arrested on Friday, October 16, and are facing charges that include kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment centre and failing to comply with health and safety regulations.
Police say further charges could follow as investigations continue.
Authorities Discover More Than 200 People at Church Facility
The discovery followed an inspection by officials from the Department of Social Development in the Nkangala district.
Authorities reportedly requested police assistance after visiting a church in Waterval B, where the rehabilitation centre was allegedly operating.
According to preliminary findings, the pastor and his wife initially told officials that the facility accommodated approximately 60 people.
However, investigators reportedly discovered around 200 residents, including more than 30 women.
The overcrowded conditions were among the major concerns raised during the inspection.
Reports indicated that 37 people were sharing a single room, while the facility lacked adequate sanitation and running water.
Officials also reportedly found that some residents had sores on their bodies, while others were allegedly chained together.
The discovery has prompted serious questions about how the facility was allowed to accommodate so many people without the required authorisation.
Children Found Living Alongside Adults
One of the most concerning aspects of the investigation was the discovery of children among the residents.
Authorities reportedly found an 11-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl at the facility, where adults aged 22 and above were also being accommodated.
The presence of minors has raised additional concerns about safeguarding, supervision and the suitability of the centre for vulnerable individuals.
Officials are now working to contact parents and guardians to arrange for residents to return to their families where possible.
Those who require further assistance are expected to be referred to social development services in their respective communities.
According to reports, 14 people were taken for medical treatment following the operation.
The Department of Social Development is also working to establish the circumstances that brought residents to the facility and whether they were receiving appropriate care.
Residents Were Reportedly Paying Monthly Fees
Authorities have also raised questions about the financial arrangements surrounding the rehabilitation centre.
Preliminary information suggests residents were required to pay approximately 3,000 South African rand per month.
Reports indicate that around 1,300 rand per resident was allegedly paid to the church through an arrangement involving individuals described as “scouters.”
Investigators are expected to examine these arrangements as part of the broader inquiry into the facility's operations.
Some residents reportedly came from different parts of South Africa, including Rustenburg, Soweto, Springs and Mamelodi.
Authorities also indicated that some individuals had allegedly been staying at the centre for more than six months.
The investigation will need to establish whether residents were admitted voluntarily, how their treatment was managed and whether any laws were violated in the process.
Pastor and Wife Expected in Court as Investigation Continues
The pastor and his wife are expected to appear before the Mdutjana Magistrate's Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Police have assembled a team of detectives and specialised units to investigate the case.
Authorities have also indicated that additional arrests have not been ruled out and that further charges could be added depending on the findings.
The case has renewed concerns about unregistered rehabilitation facilities in South Africa, particularly those accommodating people struggling with substance addiction.
In 2025, the Department of Social Development reportedly identified more than 100 rehabilitation centres operating illegally across the country.
The latest discovery highlights the importance of proper registration, adequate medical care and effective oversight of facilities responsible for vulnerable people.
For now, investigators are working to establish exactly what happened at the church-run centre, while social workers focus on the welfare and safety of those who were found there.
The allegations against the pastor and his wife remain under investigation, and their appearance in court is expected to mark the next stage of the case.
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