Former Gauteng MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, has been labelled a liar by Justice Dikgang Moseneke who presented his findings on the Life Esidemeni tragedy.
In his 200-page judgment, the former Deputy Chief Justice described Mahlangu as the chief commander of the project to move hundreds of mentally ill patients to poorly-run, private facilities.
More than 140 people died in the wake of the transfers.
Justice Moseneke said that former MEC Mahlangu had ignored warnings that led to the deaths, trauma, and torture of patients who he said were moved unnecessarily.
He said Mhlangu's conduct was reckless because she believed she could get away with it.
"She was aware of the full risks of implementing the marathon project. She ignored and indeed brushed aside the warnings that death might ensue and death did ensue. Her plea of ignorance that Dr. Selebano and Dr. Manamela lied to her about the facts related to the marathon project, is patently untrue," he said.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier David Makhura says the government is committed to honoring the award ordered by justice Dikgang Moseneke for the trauma pain and deaths of mentally ill patients who were moved from the facility.
The government has been ordered to pay each of the146 claimants over R2 million for funeral costs, general emotional trauma and the breach of their constitutional rights.
Asked whether the government can afford this, Makhura says they have no choice.
He adds that they will work with the families to ensure criminal proceedings ensue against officials responsible for this tragedy.
"The decision he has made on this matter is something that we are going to implement without any reservation. We will also ensure that the law enforcement agencies that are currently investigating the matter to bring criminal charges against those involved, there's a follow-up," he said.
Premier Makhura said "I know there is no amount of money that can compensate for the loss of life and the deep pain that the families had gone through and the survivors had gone through, that's why we would like to continue to work with them on the process until they have found closure," he said.
