Patients in chains rescued from suspected illegal rehab centre in South Africa
Authorities in South Africa's north-eastern Mpumalanga province found 200 people, some of them chained, at a suspected illegal rehabilitation centre run from a church. A pastor and his wife have been arrested and charged with kidnapping.
Officials in South Africa's north-eastern Mpumalanga province on Thursday uncovered a suspected illegal drug rehabilitation centre where 200 people were being held, some of them in chains. The facility was run from a church, and a pastor and his wife, who operated it, have been arrested.
Conditions found during the raid
Officials who carried out the operation said they found "gross inhumane conditions". Some patients had sores all over their bodies, while others were chained to one another.
Charges
Police have already charged the couple with kidnapping, but further charges may be added. The pair have not yet commented publicly.
Wider context
The number of illegal rehabilitation centres in South Africa has grown rapidly in recent years as drug use rises in the country. Last year, the Department of Social Development said it had uncovered more than 100 unlawful facilities, most of them in Gauteng province.
In a statement on Friday, the department said some of the people found at this facility came from Gauteng.
