Gauteng Health Department did not pay my client – Austin
The Gauteng Health Department has denied claims that they have not paid a settlement for a medical negligence case that occurred five years ago.
The sheriff was at the Gauteng Department of Health (GDH) head office on Sauer Street, Johannesburg today with a court order to remove furniture to recover debt of an unpaid settlement.
This comes after the department failed to pay R6.1 million to the mother of five-year-old Lethabo Matlawa who suffered brain damage at birth due to a prolong birth at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
Lawyer for the plaintiff Gary Austin said that the department was ordered by the High Court to pay the damages on September 18.
According to Austin, the department has since ignored the court’s order, even after it was given an extension of 30 days to October 17.
The sheriff of the court was to remove chairs, tables and other furniture to equal the money owed to the family.
“We have given them enough time to pay the Matlawa family. The child needs proper health care and nothing can be done without this money.
“The operation is expensive. We are going to take this furniture for auction and then the operation procedure for Lethabo can go on.
“My client needs the money and the longer we wait, the longer the little girl has to wait,” said Austin
GDH spokesperson Prince Hamnca has said that according to the department they have settled the amount.
Austin was quick to correct the spokesperson saying that his client has received no payment.
“Why would the sheriff come to the department if we received a payment,” said Austin.
The department has been given until Monday to make a payment or the sheriff will return on Tuesday to pick up the assets.
@Journalist_Marv
