SECTION27, together with the Life Esidimeni families, welcome the National Prosecuting Authority’s decision to prosecute individuals implicated in the Life Esidimeni tragedy. This decision marks a significant step towards justice and accountability for 141 mental healthcare users who died between 2015 and 2016 following their unlawful transfer from mental health facilities to unregistered and ill-equipped NGOs.
In 2024, a judicial inquest into the deaths ruled found that former Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, and former Director of Mental Health in Gauteng, Dr Makgabo Manamela negligently caused the deaths of nine mental healthcare users: Virginia Machpelah, Deborah Phehla, Frans Dekker, Charity Ratsotso, Koketso Mogoerane, Terrence Chaba, Daniel Josiah, Matlakala Motsoahae, and Lucky Maseko.
The NPA’s decision to prosecute those responsible comes over 10 years after the deaths and two years since the judicial inquest judgment.
Families and their allies have been steadfast throughout the last decade in their call for justice and accountability. Their commitment is what has ensured that we get to this point. A prosecution sends a welcome and clear message to public office bearers and private actors that they cannot make decisions and take action that harms those in their care, without consequence.
SECTION27 stands with the Life Esidimeni families and reiterates its commitment to supporting efforts that seek accountability, and justice. We call on the NPA to proceed without further delay and on the state to demonstrate, through action, its commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and lives of all mental healthcare users.
For media enquiries contact:
Gillian Pillay | pillay@section27.org.za | 082 772 0052
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