Life Esidimeni families want space to grieve
Families who have been affected by the Life Esidimeni tragedy have asked political parties and lawyers to let them grieve.
The Life Esidimeni Family Committee says they trust political parties will not attempt to use this tragedy for political point-scoring.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is expected to make a statement in Parliament on the circumstances surrounding the death of mentally ill patients who were transferred from Life Esidimeni to NGOs in Gauteng.
Committee spokesperson Christine Nxumalo says it is appropriate for the nation to focus on the state of mental health care services and the loss and suffering of our loved ones.
"It is essential that there is a proper investigation into what happened, who was responsible, and who must be held accountable. Most of it all, it is crucial that there is restorative justice, and a sense of closure for us as families," says Nxumalo.
Nxumalo says the lives of their loved ones should not be used as a political football by any of the parties represented in Parliament.
"We have suffered enough, and we will not have people settling political scores in the names of those who died due to gross, inhumane negligence. It pains us every time this occurs," says Nxumalo.
Nxumalo says they ask that urgent attention be paid to the recommendations made by the Health Ombudsman.
"They cannot wait for the National Assembly to finish its work, and Parliament must not in any way delay the implementation of the report. The reality is that many families have not yet found their loved ones, and many of our loved ones remain in danger. Many bereaved family members still do not know how their loved ones died, when, where or how," says Nxumalo.
Nxumalo says they are highly concerned that lawyers continue to approach them even after they advise them they are represented and do not want their services.
"As families, we stand together to say to political parties and opportunistic lawyers: let us grieve. We say to political parties and government: let us advise and guide your action. Let us ensure accountability. The lost lives of our loved ones are not tools to be used or points to be scored. We deserve a dignified ending to this nightmare," says Nxumalo.