Media statement by Mr. Jack Bloom of the Democratic Alliance in relation to the Life Esidimeni deaths of mentally-ill patients in Gauteng Province

Monday 7th August , 2017

The Health Ombud, Prof Malegapuru Makgoba would like to note and aknowledge receipt of the media statement released by Mr. Jack Bloom, Shadow MPL (Health) from the Democratic Alliance (DA) in relation to the deaths of Life Esidimeni mentally-ill patients in Gauteng Province.

The Health Ombud together with the National Department of Health, Office of Premier of Gauteng and the Gauteng Department of Health are in the process of finalizing the death figures relating to the Life Esidimeni mentally-ill patients in Gauteng and once finalized this figure will be released publically in due course.  The process is so advanced that the outcome will be released soon.

The Health Ombud would like to highlight that he does not know how the SAPS arrived at the information provided to Community Safet MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane in response to Mr. Jack Bloom’s question in the Gauteng Legislature.

Issued by Prof MW Makgoba

Health Ombud

The Office of Health Ombud

For more information, please contact: Mr. Ricardo Mahlakanya: Director: Communications and Stakeholder Relations; Tel: 012 339 8631; Email: rmahlakanya@ohsc.org.za