Life Esidimeni: Relatives want those responsible to rot in jail
Updated | By Gaopalelwe Phalaetsile
Relatives of the mentally ill patients who died in the Life Esidimeni tragedy says the fight for justice will continue.
On Monday, former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke ordered government to pay compensation of R1.2 million to the affected families.
At least 140 patients died as a result of the Gauteng Department of Health's decision to terminate its contract with the Life Esidimeni mental health facility and move them to ill-equipped and unlicensed NGOs.
"The government is ordered to pay the agreed amount of R20 000 to each of the claimants in respect of funeral expenses, the government is also ordered to pay R180 000 to each of the claimants in respect general damages and the government is also ordered to pay R1 million to each of the claimants, as appropriate relief for violating the constitution and breaching the mental health care Act," Moseneke said.
Moseneke said the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will have to make a decision on any possible criminal prosecutions.
He assured families that all the evidence from the arbitration process will be handed over to the police.
In his judgement Moseneke laid the majority of the blame for the tragedy at the feet of former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu, former department head Barney Selebano and former director of health Makgabo Manamela.
The chairperson of the Life Esidimeni Family committee Christine Nxumalo, who lost her sister in the tragedy, said they will keep a close eye on any possible criminal proceedings.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura gave an assurance that law enforcement agencies will be allowed to do its work unhindered.
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