Pastor, Wife Arrested After 200 People, Some Cha!ned, Found At Illegal Rehab Centre
Pastor, Wife Arrested After 200 People, Some Chained, Found At Illegal Rehab Centre
The suspects, a 59-year-old man and his 58-year-old wife, were arrested on Friday, October 16, 2026, following an operation at Waterval B in Siyabuswa, according to a statement issued by SAPS.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has arrested a pastor and his wife over the alleged kidnapping of about 200 people who were reportedly being kept at an unregistered rehabilitation centre in Siyabuswa.
The suspects, a 59-year-old man and his 58-year-old wife, were arrested on Friday, October 16, 2026, following an operation at Waterval B in Siyabuswa, according to a statement issued by SAPS.
The couple allegedly operated the facility without the required registration and authorisation, while also failing to comply with applicable health and safety standards.
The operation began on Thursday, October 15, when officials from the Department of Social Development in the Nkangala District visited the premises as part of inspections targeting illegal rehabilitation centres.
The officials subsequently requested assistance from the police.
According to SAPS, preliminary investigations indicated that the premises were being operated as a rehabilitation centre accommodating approximately 200 people.
“Last night (15 October 2026), during the operation, 14 people had to be taken for medical treatment, while the couple was taken in for questioning by the police,” the statement said.
The couple was subsequently arrested on Friday.
The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment centre in violation of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, and failing to comply with health and safety standards under applicable environmental health by-laws and the National Health Act.
According to reports, when officials raided the facility on Thursday, they discovered patients living in overcrowded rooms, with some chained to each other. Authorities said several people had sores across their bodies, while others were held in what the Department of Social Development described as “gross inhumane conditions”.
SAPS said a team of experienced detectives and specialised units had been assembled to investigate the case.
The team is operating under the leadership of the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise.
“At this stage, police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests as investigations continue,” the statement said.
It added that additional charges could be brought against the suspects depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The couple is expected to appear before the Mdutjana Magistrates’ Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Meanwhile, Modise commended officials from the Department of Social Development and Environmental Health for their role in the operation and their efforts to safeguard the welfare of the people found at the premises.
She also praised the police officers involved in the arrests and said the team would work to ensure justice for the alleged victims.
The police statement did not identify the couple or provide further details about the circumstances under which the approximately 200 people were allegedly being kept at the facility.
The allegations against the couple have not been proven in court.
