Five arrested after murder of patient at illegal rehab center

Police in Haenertsburg, Limpopo, have arrested five male suspects following the brutal murder of a 22-year-old patient at an unregistered rehabilitation centre in Spitskop village, Ga-Mamabolo.

The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stricter monitoring of unlawful facilities operating under the guise of rehabilitation services.

According to a police report, the tragedy unfolded on Monday, 03 November 2025, when five patients escaped from the centre at around 10:00. A security officer allegedly tracked them down and forcefully returned them to the premises.

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Upon their arrival, the victims were violently assaulted with various objects, resulting in severe injuries.

One of the young men died at the scene due to the extent of the assault. The remaining survivors were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

A joint operation led by Haenertsburg detectives, the Mopani High Patrol, and the Mopani Tracking Team on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, resulted in the successful arrest of the five suspects. Authorities also confirmed that the facility was operating illegally, raising serious concerns about the safety and regulation of similar establishments in the province.

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The suspects are expected to appear in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 14 November 2025, facing charges of murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the swift arrests, warning that anyone running unlawful rehabilitation centers will face the full might of the law.

She urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious facilities to authorities.