Gauteng Premier David Makhura will in the next two weeks meet all families of psychiatric patients who died after being transferred from Life Esidimeni.

“As the Premier, I would like to assure the bereaved families that I will take all the necessary action to ensure that justice prevails. My view is that the de-institutionalisation of mental health patients could have been handled better if the correct policies were in place.”

The Premier is awaiting findings of the investigation of the Office of the Health Ombudsperson. If it is found that government officials have acted improperly or negligently, the Premier will act.

“We are aware that matter has caused pain and anguish and we will act without fear or favour. We are a caring government and any patient deaths are of concern to us,” Makhura said.

Issued by the Gauteng Provincial Government