Families of the Life Esidimeni victims call on NPA for speedy prosecution
More than 140 people died in 2016 during a botched transfer project.
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 - The families of the Life Esidimeni victims have called on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritise the prosecution of two former government officials believed to have caused the death of some mental health patients.
More than 140 people died in 2016 during a botched transfer project meant to move psychiatric patients from private facilities to ill-equipped State hospitals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Earlier this year, an inquest ruled that the negligent conduct of former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and former Gauteng Mental Health Director Dr Makgabo Manamela caused at least nine of the deaths.
The executive director for advocacy group Section27, Sasha Stevenson, was among picketers outside the NPA offices in Pretoria on Tuesday.
"The families have also been in touch with the NPA, asking for updates. They’re anxious to know what is going on. The NPA said they would get back to them, but they haven’t heard from them yet. The families are asking for the prosecution to be prioritised and expedited. The evidence is there, and so the NPA can take this forward," said Stevenson.