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DA opens a missing persons case for  Life Esidimeni patients

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has opened a missing persons case at the Johannesburg Central Police Station for dozens of mentally-ill patients who have still not been located since their relocation from Life Esidimeni to Non-Governmental Organisations.

Government had initially said 59 psychiatric patients were unaccounted for. However the DA’s Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom says the figure stands at 62. He provided police with a list of their details. More than 140 patients have been confirmed dead since the relocation.

Bloom has urged the police to move with speed.

“I think it’s amazing and appalling that 18 months after the Esidimeni tragedy started, we still don’t know the fate of the 62 people. I fear that some of them may no longer be alive. I think we need to know what has happened to them and rescue them. If they’re still alive probably they’re in terrible circumstances, they’re vulnerable people, and they need proper medication and care. I think a higher priority needs to be placed in finding them. At the very least why don’t we have photos of them?”

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