Health Ombud, Prof Malegapuru Makgoba, on Wednesday challenged Gauteng Premier David Makhura to review Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu’s suitability for her high level job.

“The Premier of the Gauteng province must, in the light of the findings herein, consider the suitability of the MEC for Health, Ms Qedani Mahlangu to continue in her current role as MEC for health,” Makgoba said while releasing his report into the deaths of psychiatric patients in Gauteng.

Makhura and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi were at the press briefing.

Makgoba revealed that in contrast to the widely reported deaths of 36 patients, at least 94 psychiatric patients had actually died between March and December 2016.

“All the 27 NGOs to which patients were transferred operated under invalid licences. Therefore, all patients who died in these NGOs died in unlawful circumstances,” said Makgoba.

Motsoaledi said the revelations had angered him.

“Am I embarrassed? This goes beyond embarrassment. I am distressed and very angry,” said Motsoaledi.

Some family members of the deceased patients wept during the presentation of the report.