DR Makgabo Manamela failed to show up before the Life Esidimeni Inquest on Tuesday, 6 September.
Her attorney Advocate Russel Sibara told the North Gauteng High Court that she was not feeling well.
Manamela, who served as the Gauteng head of mental health at the time of the Life Esidimeni marathon project, was expected to give evidence about her role during the transfer of mental health patients to non-governmental organisations, including the death of patients before and after the transfer.
Manamela, along with former head of Department of Health Dr Barney Selebano and former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu, have been identified as key witnesses in the project that led to the death of 144 patients.
Manamela’s cross-examination was expected to begin on Monday, but she also did not appear. On the day, her legal team requested a postponement, saying she needed more time to prepare. The application was declined by the court, and she was ordered to appear the next day.
Sibara said: “We confirm that the court made an order that Manamela gives evidence today. We prepared extensively yesterday to get ready. Unfortunately, My Lady, we had to terminate our preparation at midnight because our client experienced some difficulties with hearing. She was having a bit of serious headaches. We terminated the preparation because she was not feeling well.”
He said that Manamela’s headaches continued to the next morning.
“She’s informing me that she’s having severe headaches. In view of that, My Lady, she indisposed to give evidence today and we anticipate that she will improve.”
The inquest has been adjourned until Wednesday, 7 September.
