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