Decomposing bodies, blood in streets: Kuruman Hospital Manager belongs behind bars

Ms Agnes Sesing, Manager of the Kuruman Public Hospital is facing criminal charges submitted against her by AfriForum, after the civil rights organisation received complaints about blood flowing freely onto the street, medical waste and refrigerators at the hospital mortuary that aren't functioning.

AfriForum demands incarceration of ten years for Ms Sesing for her gross negligence. The charge was compiled in terms of Article 24 of the Constitution as well as the National Environmental Waste Management Act, 59/2008. In terms of this Law, a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment with a penalty of R10 million can be given.

Stefan Pieterse, Provincial Coordinator for AfriForum in the Northern Cape, says people in positions of power should be held accountable in their personal capacity when the health of the community is at risk.

During a visit to the hospital, Louis Pieterse, Chairman of the AfriForum branch in Kuruman, came across decomposing bodies. "The smell was unbearable," Pieterse said.

"We submitted the charge against the Hospital Manager, because the situation is inhumane, it should not be stomached and should be addressed with the utmost urgency. If the State does not want to prosecute, AfriForum will apply for a Nolle Prosequi certificate, enabling us to impose with the prosecution independently."

Statement issued by Stefan Pieterse, AfriForum Northern Cape Provincial Coordinator: Northern Cape, December 12 2014

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