Latest news with #TetelestaiRecoveryCentre
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Still no arrests after dead newborn found in Winklespruit drain
AN INQUEST is underway, but no one has been arrested or charged after the body of a newborn baby was found in a drain in Winklespruit on July 10. Also read: Foetus discovery draws rehab centre into spotlight again Private investigator Brad Nathanson said a witness saw Tetelestai Recovery Centre (TRC) owner, Donovan de Klerk, allegedly discarding something inside a roadside drain, which later turned out to be CCTV equipment and a blue plastic bag which contained the baby. The witness reportedly filmed the contents of the drain and retrieved the items. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the discovery and said no arrests have been made. De Klerk referred media enquiries to his attorney, Wesley Rogers, who denied his client's involvement. 'My client is not linked to this in any way whatsoever. We have confirmed that the foetus issue is an inquest docket and De Klerk is not a suspect. Reports otherwise are false and defamatory,' said Rogers. Also read: Mystery of Mooi Hawens body unfolds Situated at Beach Road, TRC is a rehabilitation facility for those struggling with substance and behavioural addictions. It has been in the spotlight recently following the murder of patient Luke Edwards, who was found dead in April on the premises of a nearby old-age home. Four TRC patients were arrested and charged with murder earlier this month. They are out on bail and are expected back in court on August 19. Nathanson has appealed to anyone with information regarding the identity of the newborn's mother to come forward. All information will be treated confidentially. Tip-offs can be reported to the police on 10111 or directly to Nathanson on 083 250 2007 or via email at [email protected]. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- The Citizen
Rehab or cult? Ex-patients look towards collective civil case
Locals claimed online that the centre is 'not a rehab but something sinister". Following The Citizen's investigation and article on Tetelestai Recovery Centre (TRC), a string of disturbing allegations has emerged online, with more former patients and community members accusing the facility of abuse, financial exploitation and psychological manipulation disguised as treatment. TRC owner accused of major abuse and manipulation One account described how a young man was allegedly sent to the centre for a minor addiction to cigarettes and, after being caught smoking, was locked in a cell 'no bigger than a toilet'. He was reportedly forced to scrub the small space with a brush for hours each day as punishment. Locals claimed online that the centre is 'not a rehab but something sinister', with rumours of other illegal activities linked to the property mulled by concerned people. Another former patient alleged he was humiliated and made to sit in one spot from 6am until 9pm, digging a hole with a teaspoon for three weeks, exactly as witnesses had told The Citizen. He claimed a volunteer at the facility called him a racial slur too nasty to print and stole R7 000 in cash. He has rallied a group of witnesses who say they are willing to testify to anyone about what really goes on inside. ALSO READ: Tetelestai Recovery Centre founder denies abuse claims Calls for an investigation into rehab Calls for police intervention have grown louder, with some urging victims to lay formal charges. More serious accusations have been made by others, who claim they were trapped in the centre against their will. One woman, who claimed she escaped after a week despite paying six months' fees upfront, described De Klerk as 'a manipulator' who uses religion as a weapon to break people down, rather than help them heal. She accused him of unethical and abusive practices, including shaming patients with religious teachings, refusing to let them leave and exploiting families for financial gain by prolonging stays. She also alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour. De Klerk denied this previously. Others alleged the owner routinely vilified patients, telling them they were 'monsters' undeserving of forgiveness. Alleged racial slurs, forced isolation and public humiliation were repeatedly mentioned. Community members have called for the facility to be shut down, while those affected are urging others to come forward to build a collective civil and criminal case. Many victims insist the facility operates more like a punitive cult than a rehabilitation centre, preying on vulnerable families desperate for help. Brad Nathanson, retained by the Edwards' family to investigate the circumstances of Luke Edwards' death at, or because of, treatment at TRC, said that nothing shocks him any more about De Klerk and his attorney. 'This is in keeping with everything I have been told by so many about him and his God complex. You can't make this up, and why would anybody do so? I am repulsed,' said Nathanson. READ NEXT: Newborn baby found dumped in storm drain in Ekurhuleni
