Long wait for Life Esid imeni families

JUSTICE delayed is justice denied. That’s the sentiment of the families of the Life Esidimeni patients who died during the marathon relocation project as the inquest stumbles from postponement to postponement.

“Why is it such a tortuous process to get justice?” a frustrated relative asked this week after hearing that Judge Mmonoa Teffo, who is chairing the virtual hearing into the 144 deaths of psychiatric patients, postponed the inquest for the second time to next month.

Teffo postponed the hearing, which was set to continue on Friday at the North Gauteng High Court, after it had been postponed on Wednesday due to concerns about legal representation for potentially implicated government officials who had dealt with the transfer of patients. Those implicated, including the former director of mental health in Gauteng, Dr Makgabo Manamela, have until Monday next week to secure legal representation.

“Parties who have just obtained legal representation should be afforded the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the proceedings and consult with their legal representatives,” Teffo said in her ruling.

This is the second adjournment of proceedings due to government officials and other potentially implicated parties not having adequate legal representation.

Life Esidimeni family committee representative Andrew Pietersen said the relatives voiced their frustrations in their WhatsApp group, as they hoped they would finally get answers about how their loved ones died. He said the messages posted in the group chat reflect the general sense of frustration and helplessness prevalent amongst most families.

Another frustrated family member, Nompilo Nkosi, did not mince her words: “They (former officials) planned this way back and they’re starting again with their idiotic, nonsensical, selfish behaviour.”

Meanwhile, Section 27 spokesperson Julia Chaskalson condemned the delay and called it a setback for justice. “This delay, while now unavoidable, is frustrating. Nonetheless, Section 27 hopes this week’s postponement will allow parties to prepare so future delays can be avoided, and that the inquest can do its work effectively, efficiently and thoroughly,” said Chaskalson.

Gauteng DA health spokesperson Jack Bloom said: “The postponement is very disappointing as it delays things further, but the judge had to ensure proper representation of all parties in the interest of justice. I hope that there are no more delays, as there is still a long process before this gets to court.”

At the start of the hearings last week, SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) operations director Cassey Chambers told the inquest of unsuccessful attempts at intervention in the marathon project after serious flaws had been flagged in former MEC Qedani Mahlangu’s plan to move over 2 600 patients to ill-equipped and unlicensed NGOs.

At least 30 witnesses at the inquest will help determine if health officials could be held criminally liable.