US EditionNPA to Pursue Charges in Life Esidimeni Case After 141 Patient Deaths
The prosecutions follow an inquest that found negligence and systemic failures in the Gauteng health department, with charges expected to include culpable homicide.
- On Monday, the National Prosecuting Authority announced it will prosecute individuals linked to the 2016 Life Esidimeni tragedy, describing the case as "one of the most serious human rights violations in democratic South Africa."
- The Gauteng High Court inquest determined 144 mental health patients died in 2016 after being transferred to ill-equipped NGOs, revealing widespread systemic failures within the health department.
- Judge Mmonoa Teffo found MEC Qedani Mahlangu and Makgabo Manamela liable for nine patient deaths, including Matlakala Motsoahae, Virginia Machpelah, Terrence Chaba, Frans Dekker, Charity Ratsotso, Deborah Phehla, Lucky Maseko, Daniel Josiah, and Koketso Mogoerane.
- Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Marika Jansen Van Vuuren authorized the prosecutions with approval from NDPP Shamila Batohi before her January 2026 retirement, with case complexity cited as reason for delays.
- Panyaza Lesufi reported the Gauteng provincial government disbursed R159.5 million to 134 families through arbitration as of September 2024, while authorities expect to announce court dates and charges in due course.
13 Articles
13 Articles
South Africa: NPA Finally Pursues Justice for Life Esidimeni Victims After Nine Years of Delays
After nearly a decade of painful delays and institutional resistance, the National Prosecuting Authority has decided to prosecute those implicated in the deaths of at least 141 mental healthcare users. For the families and activists who refused to give up, it marks the beginning of the final chapter in the fight for justice.
NPA finally pursues justice for Life Esidimeni victims after nine years of delays
After nearly a decade of painful delays and institutional resistance, the National Prosecuting Authority has decided to prosecute those implicated in the deaths of at least 141 mental healthcare users. For the families and activists who refused to give up, it marks the beginning of the final chapter in the fight for justice.
Family calls for Mahlangu to be prosecuted for Life Esidimeni deaths - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.
The mother of one of the survivors of the Life Esidimeni Tragedy has expressed joy over the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) decision to pursue criminal charges against individuals linked to the deaths of over 140 psychiatric patients. The NPA announced on Monday, following years of investigation and legal processes. The tragedy which resulted in the deaths of 144 patients unfolded between 2015 and 2016 when psychiatric patients were moved…
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