Qedani Mahlangu, whom, according to South African Depression and Anxiety Group, was presented African Depression and Anxiety Group, was presented with the concerns few months ago, should take the blame.
And of course, the national health department has weighed in and wants answers.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s spokesperson Joe Maila told 702: “Our view is that it must not take long. However‚ we are aware that it might be‚ because there are so many people involved… but our view is that it must be as soon as possible.”
An independent probe into the deaths is being with as a matter of urgency‚ the National Department of Health said on Wednesday.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group on Wednesday described the deaths as “alarming”‚ and said it was “hoping for…proper accountability”.
“The information that we are getting is not just because they are dying from a chronic illness‚ they are dying from things that should have been avoided or prevented. These are concerns that have been brought forward to the department and to Mahlangu over the last few months‚” said spokesperson Cassie Chambers.
“An investigation has been launched by the health ombudsman so that we can know what happened in these incidents. The minister and the MEC both decided the matter has to be investigated properly because people are having all sorts of stories on what has happened‚” Maila said.
The psychiatric patients were moved to 122 NGOs in the province after the department cancelled its long-running contract with Life Healthcare which looked after about 2000 patients.
At the time of publishing the office of Mahlangu was unavailable for comment.
