Police in South Africa have arrested a pastor and his wife after approximately 200 people were discovered at a church-linked rehabilitation centre allegedly operating without official authorisation in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga.
The discovery was made on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during an inspection by officials from the Department of Social Development. Police were called in after concerns emerged about the facility and the conditions in which residents were being kept.
Authorities said some of the people found at the centre had allegedly been chained together. Fourteen residents reportedly required medical attention following the operation.
Officials Discover Far More Residents Than Expected
According to preliminary information released by authorities, the pastor and his wife initially told officials that around 60 people were staying at the facility.
However, the inspection revealed that approximately 200 people were on the premises. The group included more than 30 women, while the remaining residents were men.
Some of those found at the centre reportedly came from communities such as Soweto, Springs, Rustenburg and Mamelodi, suggesting that the facility attracted people from different parts of the country. Officials are still investigating the circumstances under which the residents were brought to the location and how long they had been staying there.
Reports Raise Concerns About Residents’ Welfare
The inspection reportedly uncovered serious problems with the conditions at the church premises.
Officials described overcrowded accommodation, insufficient toilet and washing facilities, and water taps that were locked. Some residents were said to have sores on their bodies, while others were allegedly restrained with chains.
Authorities also found an 11-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl at the facility, where adults were being accommodated. Their presence has added to concerns about how vulnerable individuals, including minors, were being cared for at the centre.
Reports indicated that as many as 37 people were sharing a single room. The Department of Social Development and other relevant agencies are working to establish the full extent of the conditions and determine what support the residents need.
Pastor and Wife Arrested
Following the discovery, police arrested the pastor, aged 59, and his 58-year-old wife on Friday, October 16.
The couple face allegations that include kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment facility and failing to comply with applicable health and safety requirements. The case involves laws governing the establishment and management of treatment centres, alongside other relevant health regulations.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and the accused are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said investigators were continuing to gather evidence. A team of detectives and specialised units has been assigned to the case, and authorities have not ruled out further arrests or additional charges as the investigation progresses.
Authorities Work to Support Those Found at the Centre
Beyond the criminal investigation, officials are also focusing on the welfare of the people removed from the premises.
The Department of Social Development has begun contacting relatives and guardians in an effort to reunite residents with their families where appropriate. It also intends to connect people with social services in their home communities to help ensure that they receive continued support.
The reported discovery of minors, people with physical injuries and individuals allegedly held in restraints has raised broader questions about the oversight of rehabilitation facilities and the safeguards required to protect people seeking treatment.
Rehabilitation centres are expected to meet applicable registration, health and safety requirements. Authorities will now have to establish how the facility operated, who was responsible for its management and whether further offences were committed.
Couple Expected in Court
According to police, the pastor and his wife were expected to appear before the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the operation of the facility. Police have indicated that further charges could be considered depending on the evidence collected.
The case has placed renewed attention on the need to protect vulnerable people and ensure that facilities providing rehabilitation services operate within the law. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent court proceedings will help establish responsibility for the alleged wrongdoing.
