JOHANNESBURG – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it has found sufficient basis to institute criminal prosecutions against key players in the Life Esidimeni tragedy.
At least 141 psychiatric patients died after their unlawful removal from the facility between 2015 and 2016.
“The charges are expected to include culpable homicide, among others, against those deemed responsible for the unlawful and negligent actions that led to the deaths,” the prosecuting authority said in a statement on Monday.
An inquest found that former Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and former HOD Makgabo Manamela negligently caused some of the deaths.
The NPA said the decision to prosecute marks a critical step toward accountability and justice for the families.
“Prolonged delays in the case were due to the complexity of the case, the scale of the evidence, and the necessity of ensuring a thorough and legally sound process. It said it has found there is sufficient. The NPA acknowledges the pain and frustration experienced by affected families during this time,” read the statement.