Protea City residents take stand against unregistered rehab center
The community claims that the church site, which is a wetland, was intended for an eco-park, not a residential project, and therefore the facility should not be operating there.
Community members of Protea City Ward 13 staged a march to Father Masango St John Apostolic Faith Mission Church on April 2, amid allegations that the church is used as an unregistered rehabilitation center.
The protesters claim that over 50 individuals, including boys and girls, are living in cramped conditions, with their feet chained daily, and are being charged R3000 per month.
The community is furious by the alleged inhumane treatment, highlighting concerns about the unpleasant living conditions and the chaining of individuals.
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According to the community, the purpose of the march was to demand the release of these individuals and transfer them to recognized rehabilitation centres, and also to protest the alleged unregistered status of the facility.
The community claims that the church site, which is a wetland, was intended for an eco-park, not a residential project, and therefore the facility should not be operating there.
“The structure was built without town planning approval. The same individuals who reside there were used to construct it. There is no electricity, water, or toilets, forcing them to relieve themselves wherever they can.
We are not against the church itself, but rather the illegal activities taking place and the fact that the site has taken over what was meant to be an eco-park,” said Sabelo Mavuka, a community leader.
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Church members deny the allegations, stating that the facility is a place of worship and safety, where individuals can seek help for drug addiction.
They claim that the chaining of individuals is part of their rehabilitation process and that families are aware of the living conditions, so no one was forced to be there.
Church members also deny any demands for payment, stating that parents who bring their children provide them with food.
An anonymous church member stated, “We acquired the church site in 2018, and it is registered and it is on the map.
We lack a water connection because whenever we try to complete the construction, the community vandalises it.
We had to improvise to build a structure where individuals could sleep.
“We have tried to have peaceful meetings with the community, but they always resist us. Everyone here came through referrals, we did not force anyone to stay.”
Lebogang Jim, a church member, said he came to the church in 2018 and because of it he can proudly say that I am drug-free because of this church. “I was once a homeless person, and I am glad I was healed.”
Soweto Urban contacted the Ward Cllr Pamela Magwaza, we did not get a comment at a time we went to print.
