Following picket, NPA says it's not dragging its feet in Life Esidimeni matter

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it is not dragging its feet in the Life Esidimeni matter after families of the victims picketed outside its offices, demanding justice for their loved ones.

More than 140 patients died in 2016 during a botched transfer meant to move them from a private psychiatric hospital to ill-equipped and unregistered non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

ALSO READ: Families of the Life Esidimeni victims call on NPA for speedy prosecution

In July, the High Court in Pretoria found that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the former head of the mental health directorate, Makgabo Manamela, were complicit in nine of those deaths.

The NPA's Lumka Mahanjana said they were still dealing with the matter.

"It is very important to note that the outcome of the inquest does not necessarily equate to a trial-ready case, as there may be additional criminal investigations that need to be conducted. However, the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] is prioritising the matter, and a decision will be taken and communicated."