Nketa residents raise alarm over alleged abuse at rehab centre

Residents of Nketa have raised concerns over the alleged mistreatment of inmates at a newly established drug rehabilitation centre in the area, claiming they frequently hear screams and sounds of floggings coming from the property, particularly at night.

Neighbours, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said the house — recently converted into a rehabilitation facility — appears "suspicious" and has unsettled the surrounding community.

"I've heard through word of mouth that this is a drug rehabilitation centre," said one resident. "Many people say the inmates are suspected criminals who are being beaten at night."

Residents said the alleged screams and sounds of flogging have sparked fears about the welfare of those housed at the centre and raised questions about the legitimacy of the rehabilitation methods being used.

"If it is truly a rehabilitation centre, a bird tells me they have never in their lives heard someone cry in that manner," another resident said.

Community anxiety has reportedly been heightened by the presence of police officers and prison officials who have been seen around the property, further fuelling speculation and concern.

The allegations have drawn attention to broader questions around oversight, accountability and the treatment of individuals undergoing rehabilitation at the Nketa facility.

Ward 24 councillor Tavengwa Zidya confirmed that the centre was recently established in Nketa 9 but said he had not received any formal complaints.

"I have not received any reports from residents concerning the facility because it has been weeks since it was established in Nketa 9," Zidya said.

"My question is, if such acts were happening in that centre, why are residents not coming forward to report to me? Besides the fact that this facility is new for people to be spreading rumours like that."

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said police had not received any reports relating to the alleged abuse but indicated the matter would be followed up.

"I am not aware of the place, but I will take this as a tip-off and find out what is going on there," she said.

The centre, which is operated by Active Youths Zimbabwe, has strongly denied the allegations.

A representative of the organisation, Norris Moyo, said the facility had only recently begun operating and was still undergoing renovations.

"There is nothing of that nature that has taken place," Moyo said. "We only came here to give the place a facelift, and the inmates only came in yesterday. All along, we were here to clean the place and by 10pm we would have been done with our work."

He added that the organisation intended to formally notify relevant authorities once preparations were complete.

"I was going to inform the responsible authorities after everything because that was the directive I got from the councillor," Moyo said.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary Paul Nyoni said he was not aware of the situation but would dispatch officials to investigate the allegations.

The developments have left residents calling for clarity and transparency, as authorities move to establish whether the rehabilitation centre is operating lawfully and whether the welfare of inmates is being adequately safeguarded.