COUPLE GRANTED BAIL AFTER ARREST OVER ALLEGED ILLEGAL REHAB CENTRE IN SIYABUSWA

A couple accused of kidnapping and operating an unregistered rehabilitation centre in Waterval B, Siyabuswa, has been granted bail of R1,000 each following their appearance in court.

Paulina Sepato (58) and Sakia Thabo Sepato (59) appeared before the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court, where both were granted bail. They are expected to return to court on 26 November 2026.

The arrests followed a police operation on 15 October 2026, after officials from the Department of Social Development in the Nkangala District, who were inspecting suspected illegal rehabilitation centres, requested police assistance at the premises.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the facility was allegedly operating as a rehabilitation centre without the required registration and authorisation. Approximately 200 people were reportedly accommodated at the property.

During the operation, 14 people were taken for medical treatment, while the couple was taken in for questioning before their subsequent arrest.

The suspects face charges of kidnapping, operating 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 70 of 2008, and failing to comply with applicable health and safety requirements under environmental health by-laws and the National Health Act.

A case against a third person was withdrawn, and the individual did not appear in court.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, previously assembled a team of experienced detectives and specialised units to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police have not ruled out further arrests or additional charges as investigations continue.

Lieutenant General Modise commended officials from the Department of Social Development and Environmental Health for their role in safeguarding the welfare of those found at the premises. She also praised the police members involved in the operation and reiterated the commitment to ensuring that justice is served.