Families of Life Esidimeni victims picket outside NPA offices on Church Square
Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers
SECTION27, together with the Life Esidimeni families, have welcomed the National Prosecuting Authority’s decision to prosecute individuals implicated in the tragedy as a significant step towards justice and accountability.
More than a decade after at least 141 psychiatric patients died, the National Prosecuting Authority confirmed it will prosecute those responsible.
The deaths occurred between 2015 and 2016 after the Gauteng health department decided to move more than 1,700 mental health patients from Life Esidimeni facilities to unlicensed and ill-equipped NGOs.
The most devastating violation of human rights under democratic governance occurred when at least 141 people at psychiatric institutions were sent to their premature deaths at various Life Esidimeni hospitals
Image: FILE
It formed part of a cost-cutting drive.
Many were left without proper care, food, or medication.
A court inquest in 2024 found former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and mental health director Makgabo Manamela liable for some of the deaths.
“The charges are expected to include culpable homicide, among others," NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said in a statement.
“This decision marks a critical step toward accountability and justice for the victims and their families.
“The NPA reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable in a court of law.”
Section27 on Monday said families and their allies have been steadfast throughout the last decade in their call for justice and accountability.
“Their commitment is what has ensured that we get to this point. A prosecution sends a welcome and clear message to public office bearers and private actors that they cannot make decisions and take action that harms those in their care, without consequence.
“SECTION27 stands with the Life Esidimeni families and reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts that seek accountability, and justice. We call on the NPA to proceed without further delay and on the state to demonstrate, through action, its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and lives of all mental healthcare users.”
In 2015, the Gauteng health department cancelled its contract with Life Esidimeni, a cluster of privately run psychiatric facilities, to save money.
About 1700 mental health patients were moved to unlicensed NGOs that were not equipped to care for them, despite warnings from experts, families and civil society.
Patients arrived with no records, no medication and no proper handover. The NGOs had no qualified staff, no running water and no means to store medicine.
At least 141 patients died of starvation, dehydration and neglect. Forty-four others were never found.
A 2017 Health Ombudsman report found most deaths were not natural and that the department had violated the Constitution.
In 2018, retired deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke found the transfers unlawful and ordered compensation for families.
Cape Times