KZN Social Development confirms illegal status of Richmond rehab where patient died

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development (DSD) has confirmed that a Richmond-based drug rehabilitation facility, Discipline Boot Camp SA, where a 23-year-old patient recently died, was not registered as a treatment centre under the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act (Act No. 70 of 2008).

Mduduzi Luthuli, from Danganya, in uMgababa on the South Coast, died on January 22, 2026, barely two weeks after being admitted to the facility. His family alleges that he was subjected to torture as punishment after he unsuccessfully attempted to escape from the boot camp, which they believe ultimately led to his death.

A relative, Kwenzekile Luthuli, said the family was later contacted by a former patient of the boot camp who described extremely harsh and degrading conditions at the facility. According to a former intake's account, the treatment allegedly experienced by patients was far worse than what has been shared on social media.

“The person told us they are woken up at 4am and forced to do up to 1 000 push-ups each. If you fail, you are beaten,” said Luthuli.

“For breakfast they get plain white porridge, lunch is a boiled egg dipped in salt, and supper is two chicken feet.”

The KwaZulu-Natal DSD confirmed that the death, which has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of discipline-style rehabilitation facilities, was not reported to the department. As a result, no investigation has been launched.

“The Richmond Boot Camp was never registered with the Department of Social Development as a treatment centre,” departmental spokesperson Thuba Vilane said in a written response to the Sunday Tribune.

The DSD further explained that when unregistered facilities are brought to its attention, officials issue a formal directive instructing them to cease operations and stop admitting patients immediately.

The department added that should such facilities ignore these directives, it initiates pre-litigation processes through the Office of the State Attorney, with possible court action to restrain further illegal operations.

The department also emphasised that families must take proactive steps to verify the legitimacy of rehabilitation centres before admitting their loved ones.

“Families can confirm whether a facility is registered or conditionally registered, the scope of services it is authorised to provide, and whether any restrictions, suspensions or enforcement actions apply,” the statement read. The tragedy has highlighted the risks posed by unregulated facilities operating outside the law, many of which market themselves as “boot camps” or “discipline centres”.

Advocacy groups have long warned that such institutions can expose vulnerable patients to unsafe and abusive conditions due to a lack of proper oversight. Families are therefore urged not to rely solely on promotional material or referrals, but to contact the DSD directly to ensure centres are legally compliant.

Discipline Boot Camp SA founder Lucky Mngadi, who goes by the moniker King Madlokovu, took to the organisation’s Facebook page following criticism over the incident, where he issued a public apology.

“I was wrong in a lot of things, and I admit it. There is so much I could have done better as a leader of this important organisation from your negative comments and positive comments. There are so many better ways of doing things; I have learned,” Mngadi said.

“I must be a student for life if I really want to also change the world with my impact. I am sorry from the bottom of my heart. I will do right and correct my mistakes.”

Mngadi also stated on social media that he would meet with the Luthuli family, although it remains unclear whether such an engagement has taken place.

According to Mduduzi’s mother, she has been informed that after the escape attempt, all other intakes at the facility, allegedly about 80 patients, were lined up and instructed to assault the three individuals who tried to flee.

“They beat you in whatever way they wish. One person could beat you 50 times, while another could beat you 15 times,” she said.

Mngadi has since indicated that he will no longer comment on the matter, stating that it has become a legal issue and that he will await the outcome of an investigation.

After the Sunday Tribune's sister newspaper, Isolezwe broke the story, the facility issued a statement on social media alleging that he died after complications following a rigorous physical exercise. The post has since been deleted.

A post mortem that circulated on social media showed Luthuli suffered head injuries and was assaulted.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE