Four lives are lost at the Kairos centre within two months and the facility is accused of neglecting patients with special needs. In a press statement released yesterday, DA Gauteng spokesperson for Social Development Bronwynn Engelbrecht pointed out that the first incident was an unfortunate death of Shane Jordaan, followed by two mentally ill patients.
Engelbrecht said the recent incident is of a female who committed suicide at the centre while everyone else was enjoying lunch. The question Engelbrecht asked is, “Where were the caregivers and why did they not notice that she was not present at the dining hall during lunch?”
“This is evident that patients at this centre are being neglected while such patients with special needs are supposed to be constantly monitored to ensure that they do not endanger themselves and others around them,” Engelbrecht says.
Engelbrecht laid criminal charges against the Kairos Centre for the alleged negligence. He added, “We will ensure that the negligence at this centre is exposed and that no stone is left unturned.”
He also noted that the matter is now in the hands of SAPS and those implicated are held to account to the fullest extent of the law. Furthermore, the DA will hound the Gauteng MEC for Health to ensure that a complete investigation is conducted and accuracy is reflected in their reports.
“The City of Tshwane is in desperate need of centres such as Kairos and we cannot afford to close it down but to ensure that all services are provided in a clean and healthy environment with monthly audits that can be trusted,” he concluded.
