Mbombela (Nelspruit) – A couple – aged 58 and 59 – who run a “drug rehabilitation” centre in Waterval B in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga, have been arrested after police found about 200 people on their property.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the couple was arrested today, Friday 16 October 2026.
The arrests stem from an operation conducted on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at Waterval B in Siyabuswa.
Officials from the Department of Social Development in the Nkangala District were conducting inspections targeting illegal rehabilitation centres when they went to the said premises.
They found about 200 individuals, including children and the elderly, in crammed quarters, where some of them were chained.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) was called to assist with the matter.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the premises were allegedly being operated as a rehabilitation centre,” Brigadier Mdhluli said.
“It is further alleged that the couple was running the said facility without the required registration authorisation and was accommodating approximately 200 people on the property.
“Last night (15 October 2026), during the operation, 14 people had to be taken for medical treatment, while the couple was taken in for questioning by the Police.”
The suspects are facing several charges, including kidnapping, and Contravention of section 19(1) read with section 19(13) of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, Act 70 of 2008.
The pair is also accused of running an unregistered “Treatment Centre” and failing to comply with health and safety standards.
Brigadier Mdhluli said a team of “seasoned detectives” and other specialised units was assembled under the leadership of the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, to ensure “that no stone will be left unturned”.
The police spokesperson said he cannot rule out further arrests as investigations continue.
“Additional charges may also be added depending on the outcome of the investigation,” Brigadier Mdhluli said.
The two are expected to appear at the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Monday, 19 October 2026.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Modise has commended officials from the Department of Social Development and Environmental Health for their contribution to ensuring the safety and welfare of the victims, as well as their assistance.
The General further thanked SAPS members for the arrest and emphasised that the team will ensure that justice is served for the victims.
