ENQUIRY INTO THE ESCAPE OF MABOTE AND OTHERS

Issued by: Gauteng Health Department

06/01/1998

MEDIA RELEASE

COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO THE ESCAPE OF DAN MABOTE AND OTHERS

The seriousness with which the Gauteng Health Department views the escape from observation of Dan Mabote and others has led to urgent institution of a committee of inquiry by the MEC for Health, Mr Amos Masondo. Headed by Dr Imelda Mphikashe, Director: Vaal and West Rand Region, at the moment the committee consists of the following:

• Prof Wilhelm Bodemer Chief Specialist: Psychiatry at Weskoppies Hospital and Head of Psychiatry at the University of Pretoria.
• Mr Siphiwe Mabaso Acting Director: Gauteng Health Department Directorate of Labour Relations
• Mr Abrham Pietersen Director: SAPS HQ Gauteng Crime Prevention Unit
• Ms Charlene Britz SAPS Legal Services
• Mr Thambi Mayiscla Gauteng Department of Safety & Security

Other members may be added to the team.

The terms of reference are:

1) To investigate all aspects surrounding the escape of Dan Mabote and others, including weaknesses in the system or actions by individuals that might have contribute to the escape. 2) To determine if there was negligence or other failings in the performance of their duty by any Gauteng Health Department staff such that disciplinary action should be considered? 3) To establish what steps were taken subsequent to the escape, both to inform the authorities (including Gauteng Head Office) and to initiate measures with a view of apprehending the escapees, and what the shortfalls were in this regard? 4) Bearing in mind the Health and Human Rights of observation patients and location of much observation within mental hospitals, what improvements, could be made to the security arrangements to ensure that escapes do not occur in the future.

On the instructions of the MEC for Health, Mr Amos Masondo, the team was briefed yesterday by Dr Eric Buch: Gauteng Health Department's Acting Superintendent General on these terms of reference. This team will begin its work on Wednesday morning. It is expected to submit a preliminary report to the office of the MEC for Health, Mr Amos Masondo by 19 January.

The team has been selected to provide a balanced range of skills deemed necessary to fulfill the terms of reference of this committee. They include Hospital Management, Psychiatry, Safety & Security, Labour Relations, District Services, and Human Rights. It is envisaged that the team will work as a collective, but individual subgroups will look in greater detail at those aspects specific to their area of expertise.

For more information please contact Popo Maja At 011-355-3543 or 082-373-1169