The members of the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) was shocked last Wednesday (May 7) when they were informed about the manner in which placentas were destroyed, and of an aborted foetus found in a pit toilet of Khensani Clinic at Chavani Village in the Hlanganani area.

The relevations were made during a hearing held at Bendor in Polokwane.

Scopa chairperson Mr Rudolph Phala said they were also mystified by an unusual practice at Ratshatsha, a health care centre, whereby mothers are given their placentas to go back home with them after giving birth. Phala indicated it was the worst thing he had ever encountered. He acknowledged that the head of department, Ms Jabu Dlamini, and the MEC for Health and Social Department, Seaparo Sekoati, should be held accountable.

"The issuing of placentas is so confidential and children shouldn’t be exposed to such a practice, but clinics are using illegal landfills sites on their premises to dispose of and burn them. Placentas and aborted foetuses remain unburned and are exposed to dogs, flies zooming and this causes diseases in the nearby villages," he added.

"Sharp needles and related waste pile-ups at clinics are stored under dangerous conditions, constituting serious health risks and possible injury to all who are exposed to these things. Collection of full containers of sharp, contaminated syringes and needles for disposal from these institutions is done once every three weeks and, in some instances, is not done at all," said Phala.

He further outlined that: "The department is paying millions to the company that is collecting waste once every three weeks. Syringes, placenta and aborted foetuses should go for incineration."

Responding to all questions, the HOD Ms Jabu Dlamini said she could not step down because she was doing her job. She alleged that the incinerator was out of order at the time of the audit and she also claimed that some mothers demanded to take their placentas back home for cultural purposes.