Tribunal to process ombud’s report

Independent panel of three to investigate Life Esidimeni deaths

RETIRED Judge President of the North Gauteng High Court Bernard Ngoepe will head the ad hoc independent tribunal which will process all appeals of the health ombudsman’s damning report into the deaths of more than 100 psychiatric patients in Gauteng.

The panel will include Brian Robertson, a retired professor of psychiatry from the University of Cape Town, and Hoosen Coovadia, a retired professor of paediatrics from the former University of Natal.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced the appointment of the tribunal yesterday.

“The independent ad hoc tribunal is appointed with immediate effect and is expected to conclude the appeal process within a period of two months,” a statement from the Health Ministry said. “The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, wishes members of the tribunal well in discharging their responsibilities.”

The tribunal was appointed in terms of section 88A (2) and (3) (a) of the National Health Amendment Act of 2003.

On February 1, health ombudsman Malegapuru Makgoba released his report into the deaths of mentally ill patients who were transferred from Life Esidimeni to various NGOs in Gauteng.

He revealed that the death toll was 94 following the negligent transfer of patients by then health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and several of the provincial health department’s officials.

Mahlangu resigned on the eve of the release of the report, while several officials were placed on suspension, including head of department Barney Selebano, who was named in the report.

On February 15, Makgoba told MPs in Parliament that the death toll had climbed to more than 100. Most patients died of dehydration and starvation.

During that same meeting, Motsoaledi said the office for Health Standards Compliance had received a letter from a group of lawyers representing Selebano and other officials stating an intention to appeal the ombudsman’s report. – ANA