DRUG CENTRE UNDER SPOTLIGHT

For the first time a government-appointed team of experts will be allowed
behind the high walls of the Noupoort Christian Care Centre to see at
first-hand how drug-addicted teenagers are treated.

Social development minister Zola Skweyiya says a hand-picked team will
spend three days at the Northern Cape institution next week, speaking to
staff members and deciding whether the centre should be allowed permanent
registration.

The controversial facility run by Pastor Sophocles Nissiotis has been
accused of torturing teenagers sent to the centre for drug and alcohol
rehabilitation. There have been allegations of boys being scrubbed with
steel wool, of patients having their antidepressants confiscated and of
teenagers trying to escape the centre and hitch-hiking home.

There were also reports of two teenagers being chained to a truck overnight
in below-freezing temperatures while one of the teachers at the centre
poured icy water over them. An employee of the centre, who has since been
suspended, pleaded guilty and was convicted on two counts of assault with
intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Skweyiya's team includes drug rehabilitation experts from organisations
including the Human Rights Commission, the Central Drug Authority and the
Eli Clinic.

Ministry spokesman Mbulelo Musi said the team was scheduled to visit the
centre on June 16, 17 and 18.