After a week of testimony, suspended Director of Mental Health Doctor Makgabo Manamela, has apologised to the families who lost their loved ones in the Life Esidimeni tragedy. She also conceded to issuing unlawful licences to Non-Governmental Organisations, a move which cost 143 lives.
On her last day of testimony in Johannesburg, oin Monday, Manamela accused Life Esidimeni lawyers of treating her unfairly.
Many of the patients died, of among others, hunger and starvation. Manamela is one of three senior health officials implicated in the deadly transfers.
On day four, she conceded to issuing unlawful licences to NGOs where 143 patients died. Several witnesses including staff at Cullinan Care Centre have accused Manamela of forcing them to take patients despite not being able to care for them. This, she still denies.
Manamela’s apology did little to appease the aggrieved families. She is still due to face an internal disciplinary hearing on 7 December for her role in the transfers.
Other implicated senior officials are also expected to be called to testify.
The former Department Head Barney Selebano is expected to take the stand next week. His court case challenging the arbitration’s subpoena will be heard on Tuesday. Click below for more on the story:
