Mpumalanga authorities have discovered people chained inside an unregistered rehabilitation centre. Photo: Supplied by the MP Department of Social Development.
MBOMBELA - Police and government officials are investigating an illegal rehabilitation centre in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga, after more than 200 people were found at the facility on Thursday.
Many of those discovered at the centre were reportedly chained, deprived of food and living in appalling conditions.
The church-affiliated facility is run by a pastor and his wife, who had claimed it accommodated only 60 people.
READ | No water, no toilets and chained: Over 150 found at unregistered Nkangala rehab facility
However, an inspection by Social Development officials on Thursday found that more than 200 people were staying at the centre.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operation of the facility, amid growing concerns about the treatment and welfare of those found on the premises.