NPA gave families of Life Esidimeni victims suggestion that decision looming on possible prosecution: Section 27
The latest developments in the drawn-out matter follow a meeting between the NPA and the families of the Life Esidimeni victims.
Families of Life Esidimeni victims, SADAG, and Section 27 picketed outside the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Pretoria on 29 October 2024. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Human rights organisation, Section 27, said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) gave the families of the victims of the Life Esidimeni tragedy some indication that a decision was looming on possible prosecution in the deaths of mental health patients.
The latest developments in the drawn-out matter follow a meeting between the NPA and the families of the Life Esidimeni victims.
More than 140 people died in 2016 during a botched transfer project meant to move psychiatric patients from the private Life facility to ill-equipped state hospitals and NGOs.
Almost a decade later, no one has been held accountable.
More than a year ago, the Pretoria High Court handed down a landmark judgment in the Life Esidimeni inquest after months of testimonies at an inquest meant to determine if anyone should be held criminally liable for the tragedy.
The judgment was the first of its kind, when the court found that the deaths of nine Life Esidimeni victims were caused by the negligent conduct of former health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, and the former head of the mental health directorate, Makgabo Manamela.
"At the meeting yesterday, it seems like we are moving in the right direction. The NPA has received a legal opinion that recommends the prosecution of Ms Mahlangu and Dr Manamela for the deaths of two mental health users," said the CEO at Section 27, Sasha Stevenson.
Section 27 said the NPA needed to act fast to avoid a further delay of justice.