Mahlangu, Manamela responsible for deaths of 9 Life Esidimeni patients - court

JOHANNESBURG - Former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the head of the mental health directorate, Makgabo Manamela, were responsible for the deaths of nine Life Esidimeni patients.

Handing down judgment on Wednesday afternoon, the Pretoria High Court found that the deaths were caused by the negligent conduct of both Mahlangu and Manamela.

It follows months of gruelling testimony to determine if anyone should be held criminally liable for the 2016 tragedy where 144 mental health patients died during a botched marathon project.

Judge Mmonoa Teffo said the pair ignored warnings about the termination of the Life Esidimeni contract.