Alleged illegal rehab uncovered – 14 hospitalised
The discovery of an unregistered facility housing 200 people has revived questions surrounding an earlier fatal rehab shutdown near Siyanqoba.
Two people have been arrested after the discovery of an unregistered rehabilitation centre operating in Waterval B, Siyabuswa.
The arrests came after an inspection by the Department of Social Development in the Nkangala district, which is clamping down on illegal addiction treatment facilities across the region.
Couple face kidnapping charges in Mdutjana court
A couple, aged 58 and 59, face charges of alleged kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment centre, and failing to comply with standards set out in local environmental health by-laws and the National Health Act.
They are expected to appear in the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on October 19.
Police investigations revealed that the couple had allegedly been running the facility without statutory authorisation while housing about 200 people on the property.
See the video – Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli gives more insight
According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, 14 patients found on the premises required immediate hospitalisation for medical treatment. There is no clear indication on what has happened to to other 186 people.
Siyanqoba farm death revives community concern
The Siyabuswa raid has revived community concern over unregulated centres, raising questions about progress in the case of Sfiso Mcigo.
Read more Rehabilitation pastor had rehab at Botshabelo in Middelburg
On February 12, 2025, Mcigo’s body was discovered in a room on a farm near Siyanqoba, where 28 other drug users were kept in cramped conditions at an illegal facility.
Two security guards were subsequently arrested for the murder of the 31-year-old man.
When the Department of Social Development and SAPS cleared the farm and contacted families, finding some victims chained, the pastor who founded the centre was unable to produce any documentation proving the facility was lawfully registered.
Mdhluli confirmed the two incidents are not related.
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