South Africa shocked by deaths of 144 psychiatric patients

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi wept during his testimony in which he apologized to the victims’ families and the country.

“I couldn’t imagine in our new democracy . human rights breached in this manner, in a way that is reminiscent of our apartheid era,” Motsoaledi said. “I feel personally betrayed that colleagues who I am working with could do something like that.”

The vast majority of patients have been moved back to Life Esidimeni centers or another facility.

Three officials central to the “project” have resigned and there are calls for them and others to face criminal charges.

But the arbitration process did not succeed in determining why the officials ended the Life Esidimeni contract in the first place. The reasons given by officials – budget constraints, pressure to diversify private contractors and a policy to place patients into community-based care – did not stand up, the judge concluded.

“All of those reasons fell apart,” said Stevenson of Section 27. “We still don’t know what the reason for the termination was.” South Africa’s police are investigating whether there was fraud, she said.

The fact that no key official yet faces criminal charges has left some victims’ family members feeling like they don’t have closure.

Nomvula Nonjabe, whose younger sister survived, said she remains wary.

“There are still a lot of people in the mental health system who are ignored and neglected,” she said. “We’re a stressed country. We will forever need to keep a watch on the government.”

Article Appeared @http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/south-africa-shocked-deaths-144-psychiatric-patients-54010675

 

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