Mpumalanga police have arrested a third suspect in connection with an alleged illegal rehabilitation facility in Waterval B, Siyabuswa, where about 200 people were reportedly being kept.
The 37-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, following the discovery of the facility by Department of Social Development officials on Thursday.
He faces charges of kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment centre in contravention of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 2008 (Act 70 of 2008), and failing to comply with applicable health and safety standards.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the man would appear alongside the two other arrested at the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa on Monday.
Couple arrested following facility discovery
The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects in custody to three after police arrested a 59-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman on Friday, following an operation at the premises in Waterval B.
According to Mdhluli, Nkangala District Department of Social Development officials were conducting inspections targeting illegal rehabilitation centres when they visited the property and requested assistance from the police.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the premises were being operated as a rehabilitation centre without the required registration and authorisation.
About 200 people were allegedly accommodated at the facility.
Mdhluli said 14 people were taken for medical treatment during the operation on Thursday, while the couple was taken in for questioning by police.
Suspects face multiple charges
The three suspects face charges of kidnapping, establishing and managing an unregistered treatment centre in contravention of Section 19(1), read with Section 19(13), of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 2008, as well as failing to comply with health and safety requirements under applicable environmental health by-laws and the National Health Act.
Police have assembled a team of experienced detectives and members of specialised units to investigate the matter.
Mdhluli said the team was established by Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Apaphia Modise to ensure that all aspects of the case were thoroughly investigated.
“At this stage, police cannot rule out the possibility of further arrests as investigations continue,” he said.
Mdhluli added that additional charges could be brought against the suspects depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Police commend officials involved
Modise commended officials from the Department of Social Development and environmental health services for their role in identifying the facility and helping to safeguard the welfare of those found on the premises.
She also praised police officers for their work in securing the arrests and stressed that the investigation would continue to ensure justice for the alleged victims.
The three suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday as investigations into the alleged illegal operation continue.
