Mpumalanga – The eMalahleni community has been left in shock following the tragic death of a 31-year-old man at an unregistered rehabilitation centre on the outskirts of the city.
According to reports, the South African Police Service (SAPS) discovered the deceased, whose identity has not been disclosed, chained inside the facility during a routine visit last week. It is alleged that the man attempted to escape, leading to a brutal assault by three guards who allegedly beat him to death using batons and their fists. Despite the incident occurring on Wednesday, authorities were only informed the following day.
During an oversight visit to the centre, Democratic Alliance (DA) representatives uncovered appalling living conditions, raising serious concerns about its operations. The facility, which was reportedly established without registration or oversight from the Department of Social Development, was found to be in poor condition, still under construction, and lacking basic amenities for the 28 residents housed there.
“We found rooms without roofs, a single portable toilet for all residents, and shocking instances where patients were chained to prevent escape,” said Annerie Weber, MPL and DA spokesperson for Social Development in Mpumalanga. “These conditions are not only unacceptable but also inhumane.”
Further investigations revealed that the centre was set up in December 2023 on a farm near eMalahleni, with the farm owner’s permission. However, the facility was operating without the necessary regulatory approvals, a fact the landowner was reportedly unaware of until recently.
This tragic event has sparked calls for a full investigation into both the history of the rehabilitation centre and its operator, an unnamed pastor from Middelburg.
As investigations continue, local authorities and community members are demanding urgent action to prevent further tragedies and to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals seeking help at such facilities.
