NPA's prosecution decision welcomed by Life Esidimeni families after 141 patient deaths

Families of Life Esidimeni victims welcomed the National Prosecuting Authority's decision to prosecute individuals implicated in the tragedy that resulted in the deaths of at least 141 psychiatric patients between 2015 and 2016. This decision follows a 2024 court inquest that found former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and mental health director Makgabo Manamela liable for some of the deaths. Charges are expected to include culpable homicide, according to NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.