Following picket, NPA says it's not dragging its feet in Life Esidimeni matter
More than 140 patients died in 2016 during a botched transfer meant to move them from a private psychiatric hospital to ill-equipped and unregistered NGOs.
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 National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it is not dragging its feet in the Life Esidimeni matter after families of the victims picketed outside its offices, demanding justice for their loved ones.
More than 140 patients died in 2016 during a botched transfer meant to move them from a private psychiatric hospital to ill-equipped and unregistered non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
ALSO READ: Families of the Life Esidimeni victims call on NPA for speedy prosecution
In July, the High Court in Pretoria found that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the former head of the mental health directorate, Makgabo Manamela, were complicit in nine of those deaths.
The NPA's Lumka Mahanjana said they were still dealing with the matter.
"It is very important to note that the outcome of the inquest does not necessarily equate to a trial-ready case, as there may be additional criminal investigations that need to be conducted. However, the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] is prioritising the matter, and a decision will be taken and communicated."