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South African police rescue 200 people from an illegal rehabilitation centre in Mpumalanga
Overview
South African police have arrested a pastor and his wife after rescuing 200 people from a suspected illegal rehabilitation centre operating out of a church in Mpumalanga province. Authorities uncovered gross inhumane conditions, including patients with sores and some chained together in crowded rooms without running water or functioning bathrooms. The couple charged a monthly fee and are facing kidnapping charges, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
Key points
- A pastor and his wife were arrested after 200 people were rescued from a suspected illegal rehab centre in Mpumalanga province.
- Authorities found gross inhumane conditions, with patients living in crowded rooms, some chained together and others suffering from body sores.
- The facility lacked running water and functioning bathrooms, and housed 30 women and two minors.
- The operators charged a monthly fee of 3,000 rand ($182; £137) per patient.
- Fourteen individuals were hospitalized for medical treatment, and the suspects are due to appear in court on Monday.