POLOKWANE – Concerns have been raised by former co-owners of Polokwane-based private drug rehabilitation centre Ladgac over what they describe as the protection of patients’ privacy and dignity, as the police continue investigating a criminal matter involving former business partners.

The rehabilitation centre has gained national attention over the years through its social media presence and for documenting the rehabilitation journeys of former drug users and dealers.

Moloto granted R50 000 bail

The concerns come after the only remaining director of the original Ladgac, Philemon Moloto (51), was granted R50 000 bail in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday. He faces charges relating to allegations that he set alight a bakkie belonging to his former business partner, Patricia Rachidi, while it was parked at her family home on June 28 at about 4:30 AM.

The state further alleges that a signboard advertising Rachidi’s rehabilitation centre in Ladanna, trading as Ladgac (Lebo), was also set alight during the same incident.

Police allege that a seven-seater SUV linked to Moloto was used in the commission of the offences. The vehicle has since been seized as part of the investigation. Moloto was arrested at his Welgelegen home last Monday by members of the Limpopo Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit.

Concerns over patient privacy

Outside the courtroom, which was attended by supporters from both rehabilitation centres and family members, former co-owner Oageng Makhura told BONUS that following the breakdown of the business relationship, he established the Makhura Rehabilitation Centre.

While he said he had accepted the split between the former partners, Makhura expressed concern about what he believes is insufficient protection of the privacy of recovering drug users whose rehabilitation journeys are shared on social media.

The centre became widely known for publishing videos documenting patients’ rehabilitation journeys, often with the consent of their families. The videos have included footage of patients being collected for rehabilitation, their recovery progress and skills development programmes.

Makhura questioned whether sufficient consideration is given to the long-term impact such content may have on recovering addicts.

“You must protect the identity of a young person. Recovery is only one chapter of their life. They still have to return to school, build careers and start families. My concern is that they may continue to carry the stigma of addiction because these videos remain on social media,” he said.

No comment from Moloto

BONUS approached both Moloto and his attorney, Lot Ramusi, for comment following the bail proceedings. Moloto declined to comment, while Ramusi indicated that he would inform his client of the request. No response had been received at the time of publication.

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Strict bail conditions

As part of his bail conditions, Moloto must:

• Report to a police station twice a week
• Surrender or refrain from applying for travel documents
• Have no contact with Rachidi or her business
• Not interfere with witnesses or the police investigation

Failure to comply with these conditions could result in his bail being revoked.

State did not oppose bail

Outside the Seshego Magistrate’s Court, where the matter first appeared before being transferred to the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court, employees from Rachidi’s rehabilitation centre held placards reading “No to GBV” and opposed the granting of bail, describing the incident as an act of gender-based violence. Those views have not been tested in court.

The State, represented by senior prosecutor Adv Kgaogelo Lekoloane, did not oppose bail, noting that Moloto has no previous convictions or outstanding warrants. The matter has been postponed to September 22 for further investigation.