The current Esidimeni arbitration hearings are revealing harrowing details of the monstrous inhumanity of the deaths of at least 118 mental health patients between June 2016 and February this year.

These hearings are intended to result in redress and a healing of the wounds of the bereaved relatives, but this can only happen when the full truth is known.

The relatives are unanimous that former MEC Qedani Mahlangu needs to appear before Justice Dikgang Moseneke in these hearings as she bears the most responsibility for what happened.

The state has assembled witnesses that include Premier David Makhura and Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa, but have not seen fit to include Qedani Mahlangu. This is an appalling omission.

I am sure that there are people in this House who know where Qedani Mahlangu is currently staying. She is, after all, still a member in good standing of the Gauteng ANC Provincial Executive.

The Honourable Premier needs to assist urgently to find Mahlangu so that she can account for her actions at the arbitration hearings which are due to conclude by the end of next week.

 

Issued by DA