Dr Manamela expected to testify at Life Esidimeni Inquest on Monday

The former Mental Health Director in the Department of Health, Dr Makgabo Manamela, is expected to testify at the Life Esidimeni Inquest Monday.

She is a key witness, expected to shed more light on the transfer of patients to ill-equipped NGO’s, which resulted in the deaths of 144 mental health patients. Manamela was meant to testify in August, but her legal team asked for a postponement, saying she was not ready.

In 2021, during an arbitration hearing, Manamela told the North Gauuteng High Court in Pretoria that the decision to move mentally-ill patients from Life Esidimeni facilities was not hers, but that of then health MEC Qedani Mahlangu.

About 100 people died at four NGOs including Takalani Home in Soweto‚ Mosego House in Krugersdorp‚ Precious Angels in Atteridgeville‚ and the Cullinan Care and the Rehabilitation Centre which housed two other NGOs‚ Anchor House and Siyabadinga. Families unhappy with loved ones being moved

Meanwhile, in September last year, the man tasked with leading the relocation of patients, Levy Mosenogi, told the inquest how families were unhappy about the move of their loved ones.

Mosenogi says engagements between Mahlangu and families of Life Esidimeni healthcare users were at times characterised by anger and dissolution.

Source: IOL

In other news – Senzo Meyiwa’s murder trial to resume

The Senzo Meyiwa murder trial resumes on Monday morning after several stop-starts. It’s largely been delayed due to the change in counsel for accused one to four after their representative, Malesela Teffo, quit midway through proceedings.

The accused say they don’t want Teffo to represent them any longer. TT Thobane is their new legal counsel. Only one witness has appeared at the trial so far. Learn more