Family seeks justice after son dies at drug rehab boot camp
The 23-year-old Danganya resident in uMgababa on the South Coast, Mduduzi Luthuli, who was allegedly fatally assaulted at a drug addiction rehabilitation bootcamp last month within two weeks of admission.
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A family from Danganya in uMgababa on the South Coast is seeking justice after their son was allegedly fatally assaulted at a drug rehabilitation boot camp.
Mduduzi Luthuli (23) was allegedly assaulted at Discipline Boot Camp SA on January 22, 2026, after attempting to escape from the facility.
According to a family member who requested anonymity, Luthuli’s mother received a phone call on January 22 informing her that her son was unwell and that she should prepare herself as a vehicle would collect her to take her to the hospital.
The mother, accompanied by other members of the Luthuli family, went to Richmond Hospital, where a nurse informed them that Mduduzi had already passed away by the time he was brought to the hospital.
“They were told that the hospital could not admit him because the boot camp had brought him in already deceased,” said the family member.
The family was further informed by a staff member at the boot camp that Luthuli had been assaulted after he was caught trying to escape from the facility.
When the family proceeded to the government mortuary in Pietermaritzburg, they found Luthuli’s body bearing severe injuries.
“He had stitches on his head, indicating a gaping wound. His face was swollen and there were visible marks all over his body,” said a relative.
The family has also expressed concern over the lack of communication from the boot camp’s founder regarding the events leading up to Luthuli’s death.
A relative said the founder contacted the family only once, promising to visit them, but never did. When they later contacted him, he reportedly said he was in Cape Town.
The family further complained about the treatment they received from the facility’s staff, saying they were given no explanation about how Luthuli died and were instead met outside the premises and handed his clothes.
“It seemed as though they did not want the deceased’s mother to get close to the facility. They met her outside in a car and gave her his clothes. When she checked, some items were missing,” said the relative.
“We want answers as to who beat him to death. Once those responsible are identified, the law must take its course for killing him with such brutality,” the relative added.
The family said Luthuli was admitted to the facility on January 10, 2026, in an effort to help him overcome his drug addiction. They paid an initial fee of R3,500, with weekly care costing R2,500.
When contacted for comment, the founder of the boot camp, Lucky Mngadi, said that on such incidents an investigating officer would handle the matter and that he was not in a position to comment at this stage.
“I have spoken to the mother of the deceased and I will visit the family to offer my condolences. I cannot comment further until I receive a full report from both sides, as the incident occurred in my absence. It is unfortunate that such an incident happened,” said Mngadi.