Cape Town - A group of women attending the Reto Organisation Centre in Benoni, Gauteng, have made startling allegations of abuse at the centre.
The women came forward calling for systemic change and accountability, speaking out about alleged abuse and rights violations. According to their website, Reto South Africa was founded in 2011 and works with drug addicts to “help free them from their bondage of addiction”.
However, former residents are adamant that the centre advertised itself as a rehabilitation Centre.
These residents have all lodged formal complaints against its owners, Ignasio (Nacho) and Carolina Ochoa regarding allegations of and including emotional, psychological, and physical abuse, human rights violations, and severe neglect, dating back to 2020.
Glenda Herholdt, who was at the centre from 27 January 2020 until 21 January 2021, recalled her harrowing experience.
“I was accused, insulted, and cursed in front of a witness. Additionally, my mother was misled about the reason for my departure.”
Herholdt, who currently lives in Libya, said Reto’s methods caused emotional and psychological damage, involving fear, manipulation, and deceit.
“I was constantly made to feel inferior and unaccepted by God. Complaints about the leader of the girls’ house were ignored, and some of my personal belongings were taken upon my arrival but never returned when I left,” she said.
Another resident claims she was not allowed to make contact with her
family, leaving her feeling isolated.
“All communication had to be cut. I had my children living with me and wanted to contact their father to fetch them because of the conditions but even this was outright refused.”
Valentina Overmeyer, claimed to have been sexually harassed and added that the women were also at times told that there was not enough food to feed them.
Candice Bernard, reported being prohibited from speaking in her mother tongue Afrikaans, while the Ochoas communicated freely in Spanish. The mom of two went to the rehab after searching on the internet for a Christian rehab.
“I recall clearly that their website said rehab, they must’ve changed it.”
She also alleged that she was subjected to forced labour and exploitation under the guise of religious rehabilitation, without receiving compensation.
“I was intimidated by Nacho because I read my Bible and spoke Afrikaans. He physically assaulted me by pointing his finger in my chest and face, and also threatened to kill me.”
These women further stated that all their complaints were either ignored or dismissed and for this reason chose to approach the media.
The complainants all agreed that what is needed is a systemic reform, including the removal of the Ochoa family from leadership positions, replacement with South African leaders who uphold human rights and ethical standards.
Bernard demanded that the Department of Social Development, along with other relevant bodies, must thoroughly investigate the allegations and ensure accountability.
“Organizations like Reto that fail to uphold their responsibilities should either reform or cease operations to protect vulnerable individuals seeking help,” she said.
After sending an enquiry Ignasio responded to the women's allegations and said their complaints will be presented to their lawyer, as none of the allegations were true.
“We are not a rehab, we are a NPO/C (Non Profit Organisation/Company). We are not operating illegally, we never have. We have been operating globally for over 40 years.”
Ignasio vehemently denied all allegations, stating that everyone who comes to the centre signs a contract stipulating all the rules, long before they book in.
“They know that communication from families is only through our staff, because they are not allowed communication for the first three months.
“They also made aware that they are not allowed to speak Afrikaans, Xhosa, or IsiZulu, but use English because its a universal language.
“We offer social working, we have two social workers who help those at the centre and there is always food, we purchase food from reputable sources.”
Ignasio denied that him and his wife have ever abused those living there.
“These allegations are 100% untrue. We also do not exploit the people. Instead they get training in various skills and everything at the centre is free.”
Ignasio said he does not know why the women would make up stories but said he knows that they are running a legal, operational NPO.
“We are registered with the Department of Social Development (DSD), and the department has already inspected the facility. We have never been illegal in South Africa, not for even one minute.”
Gauteng Department of Social Development spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa, said the department has received the complaints and considers the allegations as very serious.
“A meeting will be arranged with Mr. Ochua and his wife to address the allegations. Although not funded by the Department, the NPO is registered under the Department as an NPO, and thus needs to comply with the NPO Act and its prescripts.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Weekend Argus