SAPS: Esidimeni asked us to pay for evidence
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the Life Esidimeni psychiatric centre is demanding payment for the medical records of deceased patients.
SAPS and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) are investigating the deaths of 127 patients who were transferred from Life Esidimeni to various NGOs in Gauteng.
Major-General Charles Johnson testified at the Life Esidimeni arbitration hearings in Parktown on Thursday.
He said the probe into the deaths was delayed due to the Department of Health and NGO's failing to hand over the victims' medical records.
Johnson explained when they initially approached Life Esidimeni, they were told the relevant information is with the Gauteng Department of Health.
"At a later stage, due to the department not providing the information, we again approached Life Esidimeni and their attorny gave us the indication that we will have to pay for the information," said Johnson.
Retired deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, who is leading the process, asked Johnson if the police were asked to pay for copying the information, or for the information itself.
"We were asked to pay for the copying of the information. And that would have amounted to between R30 000 and R50 000," said Johnson.
He said he was not prepared to pay for copying information when there are laws that will enable them to access the information.
"My intention is to give them a time frame to provide us with the information. Failure to do so I will approach the court to obtain it."