The inquest into the deaths of 144 Life Esidimeni psychiatric patients is expected to resume in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday morning.
The inquest is looking into whether anyone can be held criminally liable for the deaths. Virtual proceedings were forced to adjourn earlier on Friday due to technical glitches. Former deputy director-general of Clinical Services at the Gauteng Health Department, Dr Richard Lebethe is expected back on the stand to continue testifying about the events leading to the termination of a contract between the Gauteng Health Department and the Life Group.
On Thursday, Lebete testified about his initial visits to various NGOs prior to and after the transfer of patients.
The inquest wanted to hear from Dr Lebethe how mental health patients died while at the facilities. According to Dr Lebethe, some facilities were not in good condition to accommodate psychiatric patients. He said some died of natural causes.
Source: IOL
In other news – KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala condemns Inanda drive-by shooting
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has condemned the murders of three ANC members, that took place in Inanda in Durban on Saturday afternoon.
The reports we are receiving are that three innocent women met their untimely death while they were participating in an internal party democratic activity, in preparation for the upcoming elections. Learn more
