Former Gauteng director for mental health Dr Makgabo Manamela was told that the moving of patients from Life Esidimeni care facilities to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) was being rushed, and that there were not enough suitable facilities to place patients in.

According to a statement from one of the Gauteng department of health [DOH] officials, Dr Sophie Lenkwane, who was stationed at Life Esidimeni’s Waverly Health Care Centre during the marathon project, Manamela told them that moving patients on time was non-negotiable as it was an order from former Gauteng MEC for health Qedani Mahlangu...