Child torture camp discovered in Mpumalanga after victim escapes

SAPS provincial spokesperson Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane said the children were all under the age of 18 and police were particularly concerned about reports that some of the victims could have been brought to the facility by their own parents under the guise of disciplinary measures.

Ndubane said the police only got to know about it after the child, who is now being treated for his injuries in hospital, informed them he had been assaulted there.

“One victim, taken from his residence on March 27, endured traumatic experiences at the hands of unidentified individuals at the facility until his escape on April 8 2025.

“The victim was reportedly forced to swim in a muddy dam, cover his head in mud and endure physical assaults with a sjambok. The victim was deprived of adequate food and hygiene during his ordeal,” she said.