SAHRC to monitor investigation into babies' deaths

SAHRC will monitor investigation into nearly 80 Eastern Cape babies' deaths

The SA Human Rights Commission will monitor the investigations into the cause of nearly 80 Eastern Cape babies' deaths, the body announced today.

SAHRC spokesperson Vincent Moaga said instead of starting its own investigation, the commission had decided to monitor the progress of the investigation undertaken by the Department of Health, Water Affairs and the Ukhahlamba municipality.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that 78 children from Eastern Cape towns of Barkly East, Maclear, Sterkspruit and Elliot had died as a result of diarrhoea allegedly caused by contaminated water. Moaga said the SAHRC had been "really concerned" after hearing reports on the deaths.

He said although a date had not been decided upon for when the SAHRC would start its monitoring of investigations, it would be "quite soon". He said the SAHRC would engage with all the departments involved to obtain information on the investigations.

Yesterday, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry said it was involved in an intensive investigation with the health department and municipality to establish whether contaminated water had caused the death of the babies. An official health report, tabled last week at a closed council meeting, indicated that there had been a breakdown in a water purification works in October last year.

Urgent action, including declaring an emergency in the area, was apparently recommended but not carried out. - Sapa