Avatar photo

By Brenda Masilela

Journalist


Life Esidimeni death toll may rise to 156

The arbitration hearings on the scandal was adjourned until the identities of the deceased could be verified.


There may be an additional 12 deaths from the botched transfer of mentally ill patients, the arbitration hearings into the Life Esidimeni scandal heard on Wednesday.

Non-governmental organisation Section 27  told the hearing that there were 12 more patients who had not been included in the death toll of 144.

Advocate Nikki Stein revealed this information while cross examining Gauteng health member of the executive council (MEC) Gwen Ramokgopa on Wednesday.

“You are saying there are 12 more cold bodies that have not been accounted for? That pushes the number of deceased to more than 156,” said retired deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke who is chairing the arbitration proceedings.

However, Moseneke insisted that Stein could not question Ramokgopa about the 12 bodies until their identities had been confirmed.

State advocate Tebogo Hutamo said they also had to verify whether the deaths occurred during the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

Moseneke insisted that he wanted an answer by Wednesday still. The matter was adjourned until the identities of the deceased could be verified.

– African News Agency (ANA)

ALSO READ:

//

For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.

Read more on these topics

LIfe Esidimeni

For more news your way

Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.