Alleged torture at discipline ‘boot camp’ in Mpumalanga exposed

Mpumalanga police are investigating a case in which a group of young people were allegedly tortured and kept in a facility that appears to be a boot camp in Evander near Secunda in Mpumalanga. 

According to the police, a number of young people were assaulted as if they were being punished. 

“A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm is under investigation by the police, with the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit handling the case,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane. 

“According to a report, one victim was taken from his residence on 27 March 2025 and endured traumatic experiences at the hands of unidentified individuals at the facility until his escape on 8 April.”

Torture

Ndubane said the victim was reportedly forced to swim in a muddy dam, cover his head in mud and endure physical assaults with a sjambok and pick handle.

The victim was allegedly deprived of adequate food and hygiene during his ordeal.

He said after the matter was brought to the attention of the police this week, a case was registered. The next day two men believed to be the owners of the facility were traced and arrested. 

The men, aged 24 and 29, are expected to appear in court on Friday.

“The victims in this case, the majority of whom are underage children, were allegedly subjected to horrific treatment at the hands of their captors.

“The police are particularly concerned about reports that some of these victims were brought to the facility by their own parents under the guise of disciplinary measures.”