Life Esidimeni inquest to decide criminal liability kicks off
After years of waiting, the process to determine whether anyone should be held criminally liable for the Life Esidimeni tragedy kicked off on Monday morning.
Judge Mmonoa Teffo is leading the inquest that will determine whether anyone should be held liable for the deaths of 144 mental healthcare patients. Over 30 witnesses are expected to testify.
The patients died when the Gauteng health department terminated a contract with Life Esidimeni leading to the mass transfer of patients to non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Prior to the inquest, retired deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke arbitrated the case. After the arbitration, Moseneke awarded families monetary compensation.
Advocate Adila Hassim said that while she and her team represent 44 families, they will only highlight the deaths of nine people during the inquest.
"The officials were warned about the inevitable outcomes, and they did not heed these warnings. They were aware of the consequences because they were told so… before the transfers began. They chose to ignore the warning," Hassim said.
She added they would show that government officials and NGO owners caused the deaths.
"It is the task of this inquest to name those individuals who are responsible," Hassim said.
Advocate Lawrence Hodes in turn said former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu was not personally responsible for deciding to move the patients from Life Esidimeni.
"The decision was taken by (Gauteng Premier) David Makhura and not her."
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