The Citizens Commission on Human Rights Africa

ITS TIME THE TRUTH COMES OUT & THOSE RESPONSIBLE ACCOUNT


How hospitals are allowed to degrade, patients die, and then more money is requested, while families pay the price.

Based on published findings by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Health Ombud, and the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

All persons are innocent until proven guilty. These facilities always blame lack of money and lack of staff and want more money, while patients and families pay the price.

According to official reports:

TEMBISA HOSPITAL:
According to the SIU interim report, approximately R2.04 billion in procurement was flagged as irregular. The SIU alleges 207 suppliers, 4,501 purchase orders, alleged splitting of orders, alleged cover-quoting and falsified documents. The SIU alleges a network acquired luxury assets while patients faced medicine shortages. Cases are before court.

NORTHERN CAPE MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITAL:
Built for a reported R1.28bn, now valued at R255m according to SAHRC. SAHRC found no maintenance personnel since 2020, broken windows with cardboard, doors blocked with furniture, sewage issues, pharmacy at high temperatures with medication affected, mortuary closed since Oct 2023. In July 2024, two patients died. Health Ombud found causes linked to cold exposure during prolonged power outage.

FORT ENGLAND / TOWER, EASTERN CAPE:
According to submissions to the Health Ombud and SA Society of Psychiatrists, severe shortage of psychiatrists (e.g. 1 for 321 patients), patients in restrictive conditions without adequate doctor monitoring, alleged gaps in death reporting, and over 100 state patients held in correctional facilities awaiting beds.

DR GEORGE MUKHARI:
According to Health Ombud March 2025, a female mental health care user died in June 2024 after alleged withholding of food and medication as punishment, alleged falsified records, alleged failure to report a sexual assault allegation to SAPS, locked emergency exits, non-functional fire detectors, non fire-retardant mattresses. Post-mortem found she was alive during fire. Ombud found death avoidable.

WITRAND, NORTH WEST:
We have lodged 10 family complaints alleging one nurse to 30 patients and non-functional cameras, assault, abuse, medical neglect, r**e and death. The DA reported no hot water since 2022, laundry service in poor conditions Subject to investigation. We allege non-compliance with Mental Health Care Act and Office of Health Standards Compliance Act. The MEC for Health has admitted to managment gaps.

LIFE ESIDIMENI 2016:
144 patients died of starvation and neglect after transfer to unlicensed facilities. We said never again.

How is it possible that many are allowed to die terrible deaths while the few allegedly live in luxury and there is no accountability?

It is time the truth comes out and facilities, management and staff are held liable and accountable before the law. We do not accuse any individual nurse or staff member. We allege systemic failure and mismanagement of public funds and patient care.

We call for accountability under:

Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002

National Health Act & Office of Health Standards Compliance Act

Public Finance Management Act 1 of 1999Constitution Section 27 right to health care

Protection of Personal Information Act - no private health info disclosed here

UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities & WHO Quality Rights Public money must be accounted for.

Patient rights must be protected.

If you have information, report via official channels: SIU, SAHRC, Health Ombud, or Office of Health Standards Compliance.

This has been going on for to long. The truth must come out.
Those responsible must be held accountable before the law.

REBRANDED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN - LIFE ESIDIMENI


Same Division. Different Names. 50 Years.

If Life Esidimeni was CLOSED after 144 deaths in 2016, how does Life Nkanyisa exist today?

Because only the BEDS were closed. Not the DIVISION.

Here is the paper trail the public was never shown:

1948: Smith Mitchell & Co. - Original private asylum operator.

WHO & CCHR historical records flagged systemic abuses.
↓
1990s: Restructured as Lifecare Special Health Services
↓
2005: Integrated into Life Healthcare Group as LIFE ESIDIMENI ("place of dignity") - Contract terminated 2016 after Moseneke Arbitration confirmed 144 deaths.
↓
Present: Directly rebranded as LIFE NKANYISA ("place of light") - Same state-contracted division, same Group, new name.

Smith Mitchell → Lifecare → Esidimeni → Nkanyisa

A name can change in a day. Accountability takes decades.
Full evidence, sources & legal analysis in PINNED COMMENT 👇

Were you or your family affected? DM "TRUTH"
Confidential. Protected under Act 26 of 2000.


#144

INSIDE THE FREE STATE PSYCHIATRIC COMPLEX - BLOEMFONTEIN


What was once a sanctuary for the most vulnerable has become a symbol of systemic neglect. The Free State Psychiatric Complex in Bloemfontein is collapsing. Whistleblowers, staff, and official oversight bodies, including the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), Democratic Alliance, and Parliament's NCOP, have documented a harrowing reality:

INFRASTRUCTURE IN RUINS:
Dilapidated buildings, leaking ceilings, collapsed plaster, broken windows, faulty electrical networks causing power outages, overgrown grounds. Laundry laid out on grass due to broken machines. Piles of unwashed patient clothing in passages.

PATIENTS ABANDONED:
Broken beds forcing patients to sleep on the floor. Chronic lack of clean clothing and footwear - patients walking barefoot, without warm clothing in winter. Sub-standard, inadequate food portions. Unhygienic conditions due to no cleaning staff, equipment or chemicals.

STAFF TERRIFIED:
Non-functional CCTV, faulty metal detectors, missing panic buttons, insufficient guarding. Wards left unmonitored.

SECURITY COLLAPSE
Unsecured perimeter allowing rampant smuggling of dagga, crystal m**h, alcohol and contraband. Patients openly smoking drugs inside wards. Court-ordered state patients and 30-day observation patients escaping effortlessly. Forensic ward at 113% capacity - correctional facilities forced to hold mentally unfit patients past legal limits.

INAPPROPRIATE USE OF PATIENTS:
Patients directed to perform physical labor under the guise of "therapy" demolishing escape barriers, filling potholes with cold tar.

SAFETY HAZARDS:
Unaddressed broken glass, stockpiles of turpentine, exposing vulnerable patients to self-harm, injury and arson risks. The response? The Free State Department of Health has refuted claims as "exaggerated", claimed laundry is in "mint condition", and placed the CEO, Head of Nursing and Supply Chain officials on precautionary suspension while staff unions strike for basic safety.

This is no longer an administrative difficulty. This is a human rights emergency. It bears grim parallels to Life Esidimeni. We cannot wait for another tragedy to act. CCHR Africa calls for immediate, independent intervention: provincial oversight, urgent infrastructure investment, and enforcement of basic security and human dignity standards before the institution collapses entirely.

We have received photographic evidence from inside Neuro and Forensic wards, October 2026. We are investigating .If you have information. You can contact CCHR Africa confidentially on WhatsApp 079 825 9869

RESTORING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIGNITY IN THE FIELD OF MENTAL HEALTH

FROM ONE CASE TO A NATIONAL SITUATION


From 1 case to a National Situation in 60 days.
What started in North West went viral → Local News → Provincial News → National News.

Just in the last 3 weeks alone:
Over 5 MILLION South Africans reached
Almost 100 new cases reported
From 2 cases per week to 30-50 cases a week.

A major national Investigative TV show has approached CCHR Africa to do a documentary on a facility we are working on.

South Africa is finally waking up to psychiatric human rights abuse.

If you or your family have experienced abuse in a psychiatric facility you are not alone anymore.

CCHR is a Mental Health Watchdog that has had worldwide success exposing psychiatric abuse to restore human rights and dignity in the field of mental health. Report confidentially.

Contact CCHR Africa: 079 825 9869

DIE EILAND HUIS - THE ISLAND HOME


What is happening behind closed doors ?

A home for profoundly disabled people in St Helena Bay / Stompneus Bay. The residents cannot walk, cannot talk, cannot feed themselves and cannot call for help. They depend 100% on others. Families say they are not safe, and those who speak up are being punished.

REASON
Why should you care?

Because the most vulnerable people in our community cannot protect themselves. We received reports that:

A resident died after choking while eating without proper supervision.

Two residents had broken arms that were not reported for over a month.

Residents were given very little food.

Hot water geysers were put on timers, so staff had to boil water in the kitchen and carry boiling water in bowls down stairs to wash residents.

Wrong medication was allegedly given.

Staff who were reported for rough treatment were allowed to stay or were hired again.

Parents who complained were threatened that their loved one would be removed from the home.

One family member was banned from visiting.

These are allegations from families. We are still checking them.

CREDIBILITY
What is on record about management and governance?

Good management sets the tone for good care. Poor management closes the door to transparency and safety. This home is a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) that is a voluntary association. It is run by the members of the association, not just parents. The members elect the Board. The residents are the beneficiaries of the NPO. They cannot speak for themselves because of their profound disabilities.

By extension, their parents and families are their voice. They are the mouthpiece for the beneficiaries. The rules of the association are in its constitution. Like any NPO, it must follow its own constitution, plus the law, regulations and legislation for NPOs. The constitution says the Board must have at least 6 members and the rules can only be changed if 75% of members agree after getting 14 days notice.

Families report this has not happened in July 2024 the founder passed away and several Board members resigned. In October 2024 the rules (constitution) were changed to remove all members of the association. Families say this change was unlawful and closed the avenue for transparency. Since then the home has been run by only 4 Board members, not the 6 required. This means the Board does not have enough members to make legal decisions.

In June 2025, 11 out of 17 families signed a vote of no confidence. The Board ignored it. Two more votes were ignored.

In July 2025 the rules were allegedly changed again in a secret meeting without proper notice to members.

In October 2025 families came to the yearly meeting and were told the Board was already chosen, with no vote allowed.

If this is true, it is poor governance. The Board is not following its own rules, the law and the principles of transparency, accountability and credibility that every NPO must follow. When those rules are ignored, this type of harm happens.There are also two matters currently in court in Vredenburg - one assault case from August 2024 and one harassment protection application from May 2026. We are not saying anyone is guilty. The courts will decide.

GOOD NEWS:
Families confirm that new trusted management and care is now in place at the home. The families, together with new management, managed to remove the bad actors who caused the problems. Residents are now receiving caring, dignified care. We thank the new nursing and care team for stepping in.

But removing them is not enough. The aim is for prosecutions. Those who harmed vulnerable residents must be held accountable under the law, so history never repeats itself.

URGENCY
What needs to happen now?

The Board must follow the constitution, the law and regulations.

The members of the association must be restored and allowed to have their say.

Transparency must be reopened.

We are asking for proper, independent checks on care, medication, food, safety, finances and how the home is run, so history never repeats itself.

If you are a member of the association, parent, family member, ex-staff or volunteer with information, please contact CCHR confidentially.

URGENCY
What needs to happen now?

The Board must follow the constitution, the law and regulations. The members of the association must be restored and allowed to have their say. Transparency must be reopened.We are asking for proper, independent checks on care, medication, food, safety, finances and how the home is run, and for the relevant authorities to investigate with a view to prosecution where crimes were committed.

If you are a member of the association, parent, family member, ex-staff or volunteer with information, please contact CCHR confidentially on WhatsApp 079 825 9869




Carte Blanche SABC News SABC News Western Cape Netwerk24 IOL News eNCAnews Cape Town Conscious Community South African Police Service Special Investigating Unit- South Africa Lee-Jane Lombard Mericia Francis Sanette Vd Merwe Brits Nina Vila Pouca Ronelle McCarthy Colette Du Plessis Noeleen De Bruin

PUBLIC NOTICE - RAYTON / CULLINAN AREA


CCHR has received information regarding the former Kairos Centre / Kairos House, Elandshoek near Cullinan.

Background on Public Record 2021-2022:
According to reports on public record in 2021, Gauteng Department of Health investigated Kairos Centre following the deaths of 5 patients in a period of 6 weeks. The investigation found inadequate security systems, no proper daily roll call, only 1-2 staff on duty at night, and security staff with no security qualifications.

Health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi stated the investigation recommended that the centre’s operating licence should be revoked.

Despite that recommendation, DA MPL Bronwynn Engelbrecht stated in June 2022 the centre was still operating.

Pretoria News reported in 2021 that patient Shane Jordaan disappeared from the centre on 4 June 2021 and his body was later found near the R513 (Old Cullinan Road).

Another patient, Petrus Smit, reportedly fled the centre and was struck by a vehicle. The facility was reported as closed in mid-2022 and residents were relocated.

Sources:
IOL / Pretoria News – Fourth patient dies – 2021

Polity – Investigation recommends licence be revoked yet still operating – 20 June 2022

DA Gauteng – Missing patient found dead

The Citizen – Government probing five deaths

New allegation received October 2026 (Unverified):
It is alleged that a facility linked to Kairos may be operating again in the Rayton / Cullinan area, and that 1 patient has allegedly passed away. This is unverified and currently being assessed.

Any information shared with us will be kept confidential and will not be published without consent. This notice is for educational and community awareness purposes. If you have information that can help verify the current situation, please contact CCHR on WhatsApp 079 825 9869

A MOTHERS PRAYER: TO MY HEAVENLY CHILD


With sadness in my heart, I write this letter about you today. You were lent to us as a family many years ago. You were born normal, but due to a late diagnosis of meningitis, a high fever damaged your brain. As your mother, I carry that heartache with me every day. You went to school for many years and you were and are loved wherever you go. You share your love unconditionally with everyone.

The day I had to decide where to send you to be cared for, after many inquiries, I contacted Witrand as recommended, with many tears. I only wanted the best for you. The doctors and staff were friendly and I believed I had made the best decision on your behalf.
The day we took you to Witrand and left you in their care was sad for us, but our prayers were with you every day. You were a happy child because you knew that we as a family loved you and only wanted the best for you.

Today you are still clever, you can sing, you know poems, you love music very much and you enjoy eating. You have been in various wards at Witrand. When you complained that they hurt you, we wanted to know what happened. We assumed it is difficult to control so many patients.

As you got older, you started complaining that staff punch you in the stomach with their fists or kick your heels when you walk. Several times you were admitted to the care unit with head wounds or other wounds, and then I was told it was due to epilepsy. I had to accept it. There was nowhere I could complain or ask about your injuries. I believed you would only be victimized more if I complained. I write it down in the book that I have to fill in before I leave Witrand. You have had an open wound for years that will not heal.

You once came home covered in lice and I had to shave all the hair off your body to bring you relief. I took the evidence with me and it was admitted to me that it was an infestation there. Over the years I have taken many photos of your injuries, they cannot be dismissed as lies. The meals that I myself saw served to patients brought me to tears. No wonder you complain that they steal your food and you remain hungry. Where is the supervision? You also complain that windows are broken and in winter your blankets are stolen. Where is the night staff? You have come home several times with black eyes, a broken mouth, bite marks and scratches.

How are you, who need 24-hour care, being looked after? If I could, I would have cared for you myself, but I am too old and what will happen to you if I die before you? That is why I entrusted you to Witrand.

We could never speak for those of you who could not speak for yourselves, but the Lord heard our prayers and sent people who hear us and want to make a difference, so that you can be cared for without fear and abuse. May justice and righteousness prevail. To you who abuse patients while receiving a salary every month, how would you feel if your child was abused like that?

Every call from there is a shock because I don't know what they are going to tell me. Every time I take you back, I have to be strong for you and cry inside, because I don't know if it is the last time I will greet you alive. I believe there are also many good caregivers and I salute each one of you, I know it is not an easy task. I believe that things can improve and that there is help willing to assist to turn the place back into a proud care unit and rehabilitation center.




Carte Blanche IOL News Netwerk24 Potchefstroom Herald SABC News Special Investigating Unit- South Africa Office of Health Standards Compliance eNCAnews South African Police Service

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY | 10 OCTOBER 2026


Theme: "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change

"Today we are not just posting slogans. We are remembering real people who lost their lives at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital.

They were mothers, daughters, sisters, sons. They were loved. Their families were told one story, but what they saw, and what the records show, tells another.

Choking, unexplained injuries, cases marked "unnatural causes" — then years of silence. Files that say "DELAYED, UNANSWERED, INCONCLUSIVE.

"Why are we telling you this today?
Because on World Mental Health Day, lived experience must be heard. The families lived it. They are still living it.

People who die inside psychiatric hospitals are not statistics. They are people who deserved protection, dignity, and truth.

We say WE MISS THEM because South Africa must not forget them.We have filed with the Health Ombudsman.

We are demanding:
An independent investigation into all deaths at Witrand
Protection for all vulnerable long-term patients
Full accountability and disclosure to families
They mattered. Their lives mattered.
The truth must come out.

SILENCE & STALLING: NORTH WEST HEALTH MEC CANCELS WITRAND HOSPITAL BRIEFING FOR SECOND TIME IN 48 HOURS - KLERKSDORP / POTCHEFSTROOM


How long can a government department dodge accountability when a citizen dies under its care?

That is the question mounting across South Africa after the North West Department of Health pulled the plug—for the second time in 48 hours—on its promised public briefing regarding the death of 40-year-old Quinton du Plessis at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital.

The Department had initially promised the du Plessis family, national media, and the public that the findings of an internal investigation panel, led by Prof. John Tumbo, would be delivered on Monday. When that was abruptly scrapped, the briefing was rescheduled for Wednesday at 10:00 AM at the Mmabatho College of Nursing.

Instead of answers, the public was met with yet another last-minute cancellation. No report. No transparency. No accountability.

What Is the Department Hiding?
Quinton du Plessis died inside a state facility after suffering unexplained physical trauma, neglected injuries, and severe alleged rights violations behind closed doors. His family’s search for the truth is now caught in a web of administrative delays.

"Repeatedly scheduling and cancelling a press briefing when a citizen has died in state care is not an administrative delay—it is institutional lack of responsibility & evading accountability," said Maurithus Meiring, Coordinator for the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) Africa. "Every hour the MEC stalls, transparency is denied to a grieving family, and vulnerable patients remain exposed to a failing system."

A Facility in Collapse: Cold Showers, Broken Boilers, and Systemic Neglect

The tragedy surrounding Quinton du Plessis is not an isolated incident. Reports of unnatural deaths, unexplained disappearances, and extreme neglect at Witrand date back to at least 2017.

Recent investigations and whistleblowers paint a harrowing picture of day-to-day life inside the facility:

Boiler & Laundry Collapse:
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has repeatedly called for emergency intervention following the complete breakdown of the facility’s boilers and laundry systems.

Winter Hypothermia:
For over a year, psychiatric patients have been forced to bathe in ice-cold water. During the bitter winter months, multiple patients had to be treated for severe hypothermia.

Deprivation of Basic Needs:
Families report horrific living conditions, including substandard food, a complete lack of clean clothing, and inadequate bedding.

Union Outcry:
Even trade union NEHAWU has voiced alarm over the hazardous, degrading conditions under which health workers are forced to operate.

Pattern of Evasion as Docket Moves to DPP
This double cancellation comes amidst mounting national media coverage from outlets including social media IOL News, Maroela Media, and MedicalBrief.

Police dockets surrounding the deaths have now been transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Mahikeng, confirming the potential criminal severity of the case. Yet, the administrative leadership of the North West Health Department continues to stonewall.

CCHR Africa is calling on North West Health MEC Sello Lehari to immediately:

Release the Report: Hand over the full, unredacted Prof. John Tumbo investigation report to the du Plessis family and the public without further delay.

Explain the Cover-Up: State publicly why the briefing was cancelled twice and name the official who authorized the suppression of the findings.

Open the Doors: Grant unhindered, independent human rights inspectors immediate access to Witrand Hospital to audit patient safety.

How many more patients must suffer or die before the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Health Ombudsman take decisive action?

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Do you or your family have experience with Witrand Hospital or healthcare facilities in the North West?

The truth only comes to light when communities speak up.

Leave a comment below with your thoughts or personal experiences.

SHARE this post to make sure this story cannot be swept under the rug.

Together, we must demand immediate reform of the Mental Health Care Act and mandate strict, independent oversight in every facility.