Esidimeni ‘who dunnit?’

THE response of the former Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu in relation to the Life Esidimeni tragedy last year refers.

Mahlangu is clearly trying her best to exculpate herself from any responsibility in this disaster.

The finger pointing is nauseating and no one in government seems to take responsibility for what, effectively, was the murder of 143 mentally-ill patients who were unlawfully transferred to unregistered NGOs.

Listening to the testimonies thus far, those involved (who form the links in the chain of responsibility) claim they all did “what was expected of them”. But if in fact they had done so, this calamity would never have happened and the patients would still be alive.

Once it was apparent that something was drastically wrong with the system, the families who had placed their faith in the health department were not given straight answers, instead they received the bodies of their loved ones to bury. How powerless they must have felt!

Until those responsible for this horrific negligence face the wrath of law we cannot rest.

No, the departed cannot be returned to those who love them, but people must be held liable for this inhumane act. Justice must be served. Those found guilty of misdeeds and negligence should be charged and arrested. — Thandi Nontenja, UDM Women’s Organisation secretary general