27/06/2025
📢 PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM TETELESTAI RECOVERY CENTRE
RE: Misinformation Circulating About the Death of Luke Edwards
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Luke Edwards. His untimely passing is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with all affected.
Due to ongoing public commentary, Tetelestai Recovery Centre feels compelled to clarify certain matters to ensure that misinformation does not cause further harm, especially to our current residents, their families, and our dedicated staff.
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🔎 Clarification of Events:
• Luke Edwards was admitted to Tetelestai Recovery Centre on a voluntary basis.
• On 8 April 2025, at 23:06, Luke left the Centre without authorisation. This was documented and escalated internally, and our protocols were followed. (See attached)
• On 9 April 2025 at 01:30, CCTV footage from a neighbouring facility, a Retirement Home, shows Luke alive, coherent, fully clothed, and without visible injuries. We have copies of the CCTV footage that will be resubmitted to the authorities as it looks to missing from evidence at this stage (See attached with time stamps)
• Later that morning, Luke was tragically discovered deceased lying in a big pool of blood on the Retirement Home property. Circumstances surrounding his death, including details regarding his injuries, are the subject of an active SAPS investigation, and we will not speculate on any cause or timeline.
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🧾 Context Regarding Luke’s Stay:
• While in our care, Luke at times exhibited signs of emotional distress and was reported to have expressed distrust toward his family, which we attempted to address through ongoing support.
• There were isolated incidents involving verbal altercations (calling two black residents the “k-word”) and a physical altercation with another resident. These were internally recorded and managed in accordance with policy. We also reported both these incidents to Amanzimtoti SAPS on 7 April 2025 and 8 April 2025 respectively
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đź“‘ On Recent Public Allegations:
• We are aware of various claims circulating on social media that suggest wrongdoing by Tetelestai Recovery Centre or its residents. We categorically deny any involvement in Luke Edwards’ death and reject the assertion that he was harmed while in our care.
• Allegations made by private individuals or external investigators are currently being reviewed by our legal team. A cease and desist letter was issued to one such individual, Mr. Brad Nathanson, prior to this incident (10 June 2025), in response to prior defamatory commentary concerning our Centre.
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⚖️ Legal Standing and Cooperation:
• Tetelestai Recovery Centre has no staff member, manager, board member or director who has ever been formally charged or convicted of any crime related to abuse, assault, or negligence.
• We are fully cooperating with SAPS Amanzimtoti, under case number CAS 84/04/2025, and will continue to provide them with all documentation and assistance required.
• We have also instructed our legal team to monitor all public commentary and consider legal steps where false, misleading, or defamatory content may be causing reputational or operational harm.
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🙏 Final Remarks:
Out of respect for Luke’s memory and to avoid interfering with the SAPS investigation, we will not engage in further public debate or speculation. We ask that the public allow due process to unfold.
Our doors remain open to families who seek truth, accountability, and compassionate care in recovery. We remain committed to serving our community with integrity, transparency, and care.
Sincerely,
Donovan de Klerk
Managing Director
