Bootcamp brutality: Son dies after alleged torture at addiction centre

Empangeni family fights for justice following the death of son, Unathi Mkhasibe (25) at bootcamp in Richmond

30 seconds ago

Muzi Zincume 3 minutes read

Grieving father, Nhlanhla Mkhasibe shows a photo of his late son Photo: Mbuso Kunene

Allegedly starved, beaten, kicked and dragged before being handcuffed and tied to a tree to spend the night in the cold, a young Empangeni man ultimately died from his injuries.

His grieving parents have asked government departments to intervene, demanding to know why the alleged perpetrators at Discipline Bootcamp SA’s Richmond branch are seemingly off the hook.

The deceased’s father, Nhlanhla Mkhasibe (62) told the ZO in an interview on Friday, that he had taken his son, Unathi (25), to the bootcamp to get help.

“He was drinking usonti and smoking dagga, but was not involved in any criminal activities.

“He used to go out to places to drink and return home to eat. We felt his life was at a standstill.

“That’s when we took him to this centre, which was recommended to us by my cousin,” said Nhlanhla.

According to online information, Discipline Bootcamp SA, founded by King Madlokovu, is a South African programme designed to correct out-of-control, violent or troublesome young adults aged 7 to 25.

Long-term camps are designed to equip them with basic skills training like welding, farming and baking.

“We took Unathi to the centre on 24 June. The last time we spoke to him was on 19 July when he told us he needed more clothing as it was cold there.

“We couriered additional clothing to him but he died before receiving it. The boot camp management told us that our son had experienced a respiratory problem,” said Nhlanhla.

However, he claims he received information that clearly gives him the true picture as to how his son died.

“He was assaulted, handcuffed around a tree for the whole night. He was starved and kicked by the boot camp employees; they dragged him in the mud, kicking him multiple times, and he died in the process.

“He is not the first person to be subjected to such inhumane behaviour; this is the second person to be killed at that centre,” he alleged.

Nhlanhla added that the matter was reported to the police, and two people were arrested and charged with murder. However, they were released due to contradicting statements.

Events leading to alleged beating

“I have been told that my son was severely assaulted after trying to escape. The allegation is that he followed other young men to collect firewood in the morning, and failed to return.

“He was spotted by centre officials who were en route to buy food for them. They stopped and chased him and he ran into a sewage pipe to hide but was found.

“He was then stoned, and suffered several injuries to the head and arms. He was taken back to the centre where the beating continued, and was made to sleep outside, handcuffed around a tree throughout the cold night,” he said.

The grieving father said his son completed matric at Empangeni High before going to further his studies in Johannesburg, where he was studying towards a civil engineering degree.

Sadly, he failed to complete his degree owing to his addiction.

“We asked for his body to be brought home and we buried him on 1 August.

“We demand to know how our son was brutally assaulted. We paid for their services. It was R10 000 per month, and we wanted him to spend at least three months there.

“This centre needs to be closed down before more people are killed,” he said.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that Richmond police had arrested two suspects in connection with Unathi’s death, but that the case was not enrolled in court and they were released.

The Mkhasibe family said they will continue to fight for justice.

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