Some of the families of the Life Esidimeni victims have once again called for former Gauteng Premier David Makhura to take accountability for the death of 140 psychiatric patients.
Makhura’s name appeared on the spotlight several times at the Life Esidimeni inquest sitting at the Pretoria High Court.
The inquest will determine if anyone should be held criminally liable for the death of over 140 psychiatric patients who were moved from the facility to poorly-equipped non-governmental organisations.
This is coming after some families of the victims gathered in Forest Town, Johannesburg, to deliberate on the matter.
When the former HOD at the Gauteng Department of Health Barney Selebano testified at the Life Esidimeni inquest in September, he told Judge Jowie he wasn’t sure who was ultimately responsible.
Selebano said it was difficult to point a finger at then-Gauteng Premier David Makhura and maintain for sure that he made the final call to terminate the Life Esidimeni contract.
It is now common knowledge that Selebano, former Mental Health Director Makgabo Manamela and Provincial Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu were among those who implemented the plan that led to the tragedy.
While Makhura testified at the 2017 arbitration, he was not part of the ongoing inquest.
Christine Nxumalo, who lost her sister in the tragedy, said Makhura must account for a lack of oversight.
However, there is no consensus among the families on whether former Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi also has a case to answer.
