NPA to prosecute those implicated in Life Esidimeni case after 141 patients deaths

More than a decade after at least 141 psychiatric patients died in the Life Esidimeni tragedy, the National Prosecuting Authority said 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.

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.”

In 2015, the Gauteng health department cancelled its contract with Life Esidimeni, a cluster of privately run psychiatric facilities, to save money.

About 1,700 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, as previously reported.

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.

Mahlangu and Manamela were found liable for at least nine deaths during the 2024 inquest.

Weekend Argus