The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has arrested a pastor and his wife over the alleged kidnapping of about 200 people who were reportedly being kept at an unregistered rehabilitation centre in Siyabuswa.
The suspects, a 59-year-old man and his 58-year-old wife, were arrested on Friday, October 16, following an operation at Waterval B in Siyabuswa,
The couple allegedly operated the facility without the required registration and authorization, while also failing to comply with applicable health and safety standards.
According to SAPS, preliminary investigations indicated that the premises were being operated as a rehabilitation centre accommodating approximately 200 people.
The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, operating an unregistered treatment centre in violation of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, and failing to comply with health and safety standards under applicable environmental health by-laws and the National Health Act.
