Former Gauteng Health MEC contradicts herself in testimony that is ‘not cogent’
Having to be coaxed to give direct answers at the Life Esidimeni hearing, Qedani Mahlangu said she is a ‘warm person’, at which point she was heckled
The judge in the Life Esidimeni hearing‚ Dikgang Moseneke‚ and Section 27 advocate Adila Hassim spent Tuesday morning trying to coax former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu to answer questions directly.Mahlangu is testifying at the arbitration hearing‚ which aims to give closure to families after at least 143 mentally-ill patients died when moved into non-governmental organisations (NGOs).Mahlangu has struggled to give brief answers. She asked four times for permission to give lengthy answers saying: "Justice‚ may I beg your indulgence?"At times‚ an annoyed Hassim interrupted Mahlangu’s detailed explanations saying: "Can I ask that the witness please answer the question."Mahlangu has stuck to a single explanation for her role in the project that led to 143 deaths: that officials underneath her did not give her the correct information about the lack of NGOs to house patients and their poor conditions.She has repeatedly said she doesn’t know why former Gauteng Head of Department Bar...
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