Pastor and Wife Arrested After Hundreds Found Chained in 'Inhumane' South African Rehab Center

A pastor and his wife have been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping after approximately 200 people, including children, were found living in what authorities described as "grossly inhumane" conditions at an illegal rehabilitation center in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Health officials alerted the police on Thursday after inspecting the church in Waterval B, Siyabuswa, which was reportedly operating without the required registration authorization. Inspectors found the facility overcrowded, with rooms designed for 60 people housing significantly more. Some individuals were found chained to one another, and reports indicated a lack of basic sanitation and locked water taps.

The arrested couple, aged 59 and 58, are facing charges including kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment center, and violating substance abuse prevention laws. The pastor and his wife allegedly told officials they were caring for 60 people, a stark contrast to the more than 200 discovered.

Among the individuals found were more than 30 women, an 11-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl, with the remainder being men aged 22 and over. Some of the alleged hostages showed signs of physical distress, including sores. Officials reported finding 37 people sharing a single room.

Fourteen individuals required immediate medical attention following the rescue operation on Thursday night. The couple was taken into custody for questioning and is expected to appear before the Mdutjana magistrates' court in Siyabuswa on Monday.

Residents at the property reportedly paid a monthly fee of R3000 (approximately £137) for the services provided by the unregistered center. Police stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out as they work to uncover all details of the operation.