�We did not lose 11 patients in a week�
Thursday, September 18, 2014
The claims first emerged during an Umbrella for Democratic Change’s political rally on Sunday and quickly spread within the mining town, causing panic among residents.
However, the hospital’s public relations officer, Onalethata Nkwe, told Mmegi publication that the Hospital did not have 11 deaths as reported at the rally, adding that drug availability is actually very high.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...