SIYABUSWA B — A couple accused of operating an unregistered rehabilitation centre after approximately 200 people were found at church premises in Waterval B, Siyabuswa B, have been granted bail.
The couple appeared in the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, 19 October 2026, where they were each granted bail of R1 000.
They are expected to appear in court again on Wednesday, 25 November 2026, as investigations continue.
Their arrest followed a multi-agency inspection involving the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development, environmental health officials and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to the department, an initial inspection was conducted on Thursday, 15 October, after officials received information about a possible unregistered rehabilitation facility.
During the inspection, the couple reportedly told officials they were accommodating about 60 people. However, officials found approximately 200, including more than 30 women, an 11-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl.
Some of those found at the premises had reportedly travelled from Rustenburg, Soweto, Springs, Mamelodi and other areas.
Officials raised concerns about overcrowded rooms, inadequate ablution facilities and locked water taps. One room reportedly accommodated 37 people, while some residents were found with sores.
There were also allegations that some residents had been chained together.
Following the inspection, the couple were arrested on Friday, 16 October.
They face charges including kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment centre in contravention of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008, and failing to comply with applicable environmental health and safety requirements.
Department confirms facility was unregistered
In a formal response to the Highveld Chronicle, the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development, through Kanego Thete, confirmed that the facility was not known to the department and was not registered.
“The Department was not aware of the church as a rehabilitation Center. The Center is not registered in terms of the Prevention of and Treatment of Substance Abuse Act No 70 of 2008,” the department stated.
The department said it had not inspected the facility before 15 October because it was unaware that it was operating.
“The purpose of the visit on the 15th was to share information with the owners. However, the objective was not achieved upon the discovery of the people who were kept in inhumane condition. That took precedence over the intended purpose of the visit,” the department said.
Following the operation, 11 people showing signs of mental health challenges were admitted to Mmametlhake Hospital, while 15 others required temporary shelter.
Another 14 people were taken for medical treatment.
Defence says matter is before court
The couple’s legal representative, Mr Maswangani, said the defence would not release detailed information while the matter remained before the court.
Maswangani said the legal team was grateful that the couple had entrusted it with their representation and that they had been released on bail.
“Everything will be discussed at court on the 25th, Wednesday, November. For now, all that we wish as their lawyers is for them to go back home and relax, rejoice with their family, and prepare themselves for the 25th of November,” said Maswangani.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Development has urged members of the public and community organisations wishing to operate rehabilitation facilities to follow the required registration procedures.
Investigations are continuing, and police have indicated that further charges may be added.
