Police are investigating murder and assault at an illegal Ruyterwacht rehabilitation centre. Supplied
CAPE TOWN- A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the illegal Ruyterwacht rehabilitation centre described by residents as a “rehab from hell”.
This as the department of social development said it was currently investigating 36 rehabilitation centres in the province, and was working closely with the municipalities.
Police are investigating murder and assault at the illegal rehabilitation centre which operated out of a residence in Louis Botha Street, where ‘patients’ were allegedly hit with nails in their feet, sprayed with sanitizer and set alight
The shocking allegations emerged after police visited the Synergy Rehabilitation and Upliftment centre on Tuesday in connection with the case of missing 35-year-old Igshaan Philander of Tafelsig.
According to reports, he was admitted to a rehabilitation centre in the Ruyterwacht area, and when his family enquired about him, he could not be found.
The investigating officer then went to the centre where he was confronted by patients reporting abuse and assault after which, charges were opened.
On further investigation, Philander’s body was discovered at a mortuary, with police investigating murder.
Two suspects aged 15 and 40 were arrested at the time.
Police spokesperson Joseph Swartbooi said a third suspect, aged 37, had since been arrested and detained.
“Once charged he is expected to make a court appearance in the Goodwood Magistrate court on a charge of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm,” Swartbooi said.
Spokesperson for Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez, Joshua Chigome said the department was not aware of the facility and did not have details yet of how long people had been in there for ‘treatment’.
“Often we find that illegal rehabs open without the department being aware of them. Synergy was one of these rehabs. If people don’t report illegal rehabs we may not be able to identify them, especially where they are in residential properties without signage,” Chigome said.
He added that some illegal rehabilitation centres have been involved in threatening their staff and are run by criminals.
“When the Department is made aware of an unregistered facility, an assessment is conducted and the outcomes and recommendations communicated to the facility. The Department is cognisant of the need for substance use disorder treatment facilities, and takes a developmental approach by trying to assist facilities with becoming compliant so that registration status can be achieved.”
The centre did not answer questions on Thursday.
Cape Times
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