The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Wellness, led by Advocate Ezra Letsoalo, has committed to examining the findings of the Health Ombudsman, Professor Taole Mokoena, regarding the tragic death of a psychiatric patient at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in June 2024.
This commitment follows a South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) investigation that exposed severe ethical and procedural failures contributing to the death of 35-year-old Lerato Mohlamme.
During a media briefing on Monday, the Health Ombud, Professor Mokoena, detailed a range of serious irregularities.
Mohlamme, who was held in seclusion in the psychiatric unit, died after a fire broke out, suffering severe burns. While 17 other patients were safely evacuated, she succumbed to her injuries.
The investigation identified negligence as the cause of death, citing clinical safety failures, closed exit doors, non-compliance with legal requirements, excessive use of mechanical restraints, and the withholding of food and medication, among other acts of neglect.
Professor Mokoena stated that the hospital staff had failed to properly safeguard the patient, and the investigation ultimately revealed multiple procedural, clinical, and ethical failures.
The committee, according to Advocate Letsoalo, takes the Health Ombud’s findings with the utmost seriousness. The intent is to investigate the issues highlighted to improve patient safety within the province’s healthcare facilities.
“We take these findings seriously and will ensure that they are fully interrogated. Our focus is on strengthening accountability and improving the safety and quality of mental healthcare services in Gauteng,” he added.
Letsoalo affirmed that the Ombud’s findings strongly support the committee’s continuous oversight efforts, which include an in-depth intervention study on mental health services in Gauteng.
This study, which began in November 2025, has already involved oversight visits to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and other provincial facilities.
“In line with proper oversight processes, the Committee will first engage the Health Ombud to ensure a clear understanding of the report and its recommendations. The Gauteng Department of Health will also be invited to participate to ensure transparency and alignment on the implementation of remedial actions,” Letsoalo stated.
Following Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s pledge to improve healthcare services provincially, Letsoalo made a similar commitment.
The Committee, Letsoalo stated: “assures the public that it is actively addressing the matter and remains committed to ensuring that the Health Ombud’s findings are implemented to enhance the quality, safety, and governance of mental health services in the province.”
Siyabonga Sithole
iol.co.za
