Answers over deaths

REPORT ON PSYCHIATRY PATIENTS’ FATE

“WHAT happened and who is responsible?”

These are the questions families of dozens of psychiatric patients who died at various non-governmental organisations (NGO) in Gauteng hope health ombudsman Professor Malegapuru Makgoba will answer in his report into the deaths.

Makgoba was appointed by Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi to investigate the deaths in September after a public outcry.

The report is due to be released next Wednesday.

MEC for health Qedani Mahlangu revealed in an oral reply in the legislature that 36 patients had died under the care of a number of NGOs. Another patient died later.

DA health spokesman Jack Bloom claims more patients have died since then.

“It has subsequently been confirmed that more patients have died, possibly as many as 60 in total. I have repeatedly called on Mahlangu to resign or be fired by premier David Makhura as it is clear that the transfer of patients was poorly handled,” Bloom said.

The patients had been transferred to the NGOs despite objections from their families and warnings from medical and psychiatry professionals.

About 2 000 patients were removed from Life Healthcare Esidimeni in Randfontein on the West Rand midyear when Mahlangu terminated its contract.

Christine Nxumalo whose sister Virginia Machpelah, 55, died at Precious Angels said: “I want to know what happened. Who said what? Who instructed who and why? I want all the details.

“The report will not bring the family closure. I am still angry. One cannot hold a position, do this and not take responsibility.”

Nxumalo said they intended to sue the department. Machpelah had been at the NGO for six weeks when she died and her family did not know. Though she died on August 17, her family was only contacted eight days later.

“I am also considering opening a criminal case. Those responsible must be prosecuted and fired,” Nxumalo said.

Nompilo Nkosi said her autistic brother Sizwe Nkosi, 31, was still at one of the NGOs – Cullinan Rehabilitation Centre – but his health was deteriorating.

“He has lost weight and is more aggressive. The relocations were done against our will. Cullinan is too far. We do not see him as often as we would like,” she said.

“I really hope that the report will bring answers to all of us. My brother may still be alive but this has affected us so much.”

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) which has been offering help to the affected families also expressed hope that families would get answers from the report.

“We are anxiously awaiting the report ... we hope that the families who have lost loved ones get some answers and some peace as to who is responsible for their loved ones tragic deaths,” said Sadag operations director Cassey Chambers.