The decision by the National Prosecuting Authority to prosecute individuals implicated in the Life Esidimeni tragedy has been welcomed, with political parties describing the move as long overdue.
The prosecutions relate to the deaths of 141 psychiatric patients who were unlawfully transferred to unlicensed and ill-equipped facilities.
The NPA said the decision follows years of investigation and acknowledged the pain and frustration experienced by affected families during the delay. It explained that the final decision taken by the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions had to be endorsed by the National Director of Public Prosecutions, who retired at the end of January 2026. The incoming NDPP also had to be briefed before the announcement could be made.
After being briefed, the NDPP welcomed the progress in the matter and said affected families and the public needed to be informed that the NPA had resolved to institute prosecutions.
ActionSA is among the parties that welcomed the decision but said justice had taken too long.
“This decision, while necessary, comes far too late. Nearly a decade has passed since this avoidable tragedy unfolded, leaving families to endure prolonged grief, unanswered questions, and a justice system that has moved at an unacceptable pace. Justice delayed on this scale is justice diminished.”
“The 2021 inquest findings, which held former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and former mental health director Dr Makgabo Manamela accountable for the deaths of several patients, made it clear that this was not merely a systemic failure but a failure of leadership, ethics, and governance. The decision to prosecute must mark the beginning of accountability. South Africans deserve a healthcare system that protects the most vulnerable, not one that exposes them to harm through negligence and mismanagement, and those who enabled this tragedy should be charged for criminal negligence.”
“ActionSA reiterates its call for stringent consequence management for all those responsible and institutional reform within the public healthcare system to prevent recurrence and improved oversight mechanisms to ensure that human dignity is never again so recklessly disregarded.”
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom also welcomed the decision, saying it was long overdue as families had waited nearly a decade for justice.
“It is essential that all those identified by the inquest are prosecuted on the full range of possible charges, including culpable homicide. This should include former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu, as politicians should not escape accountability for gross negligence that leads to suffering and death.”
“The DA will continue to champion the wellbeing of mental health patients who are still neglected in Gauteng hospitals, as seen in the recent report of the Health Ombud on the death of a psychiatric patient at the George Mukhari Hospital. Successful prosecutions will serve as a deterrent by showing real consequences for those who abuse vulnerable patients.”
The NPA said that after careful consideration of the inquest findings, supporting evidence and applicable legal standards, it had found sufficient basis to institute criminal prosecutions.
“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. 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. Further details regarding court dates and specific charges will be communicated in due course,” the NPA said