Pastor and Wife Arrested for Chaining 200 People in Family Home
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 59-year-old pastor and his 58-year-old wife following the shocking discovery of about 200 people at an allegedly illegal rehabilitation centre in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga.
The couple were arrested on Friday, October 16, 2026, after officials from the Department of Social Development alerted the police following an inspection of the facility a day earlier.
According to the police, preliminary investigations suggest that the couple were operating the rehabilitation centre without the necessary registration and authorisation. The facility was also reportedly found to have failed to meet basic health and safety requirements.
What officials reportedly discovered inside the centre has raised serious concerns about the treatment of the people staying there. Some occupants were allegedly living in overcrowded rooms, while others were reportedly chained to one another. Several people were also said to have sores on their bodies, with the Department of Social Development describing the conditions as “gross inhumane conditions”.
Following the operation, 14 people were taken to receive medical treatment.
The pastor and his wife are facing several charges, including kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment centre in violation of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, and breaching health and safety regulations under relevant environmental health by-laws and the National Health Act.
Police have confirmed that experienced detectives and specialised units have been assigned to investigate the matter under the leadership of provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise. Authorities have also indicated that additional arrests and charges may follow as investigations continue.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Mdutjana Magistrates’ Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Lieutenant General Modise commended the officials and police officers involved in the operation, praising their efforts to protect the people found at the facility and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
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