Gauteng health department head suspended after mass psychiatric patients’ deaths
Premier Makhura takes action against Gauteng health department head on recommendation of the health ombudsman
Gauteng health department head Dr Tiego Ephraim Selebano was placed on precautionary suspension by Gauteng Premier David Makhura on Wednesday. Director of mental health Dr Makgabo Manamela was given 48 hours to give reasons why she should not be dismissed.Makhura suspended Selebano following the recommendations of health ombudsman Prof Malegapuru Makgoba in his report, No guns: 94 silent deaths and counting, on the deaths of 94 psychiatric patients.Selebano stands accused of tampering with evidence during the investigation. Makgoba recommended disciplinary action against him for gross misconduct and incompetence in accordance with the Disciplinary Code and Procedure.Dr Ernest Kenoshi has been appointed as the acting head of department.The ombudsman also recommended disciplinary hearings against Manamela for gross misconduct and incompetence as well as tampering with evidence.Makgoba says the officials should be reported to their respective professional bodies for "appropriate remedi...
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