More than 140 mental health Life Esidimeni patients died in 2016 in what has been described as South Africa’s worst public health tragedy.
More than 140 mental health patients died in 2016 in what has been described as South Africa’s worst public health tragedy.
Life Esidimeni family members, victims and survivors picketed outside the NPA’s offices in Pretoria on Tuesday. Picture: X/@SECTION27news The families of the Life Esidimeni victims have called on the National Prosecuting Authority to prioritise the prosecution of former Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and former director of mental health Dr Makgabo Manamela.More than 140 mental health patients died in 2016 in what has been described as South Africa’s worst public health tragedy.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said they have taken note of the memorandum of demand for justice and accountability for Life Esidimeni victims, which was handed in and accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Sibongile Mzinyathi. “In the memorandum Section 27 is requesting our office to expedite the prosecution proceedings, ensure comprehensive accountability and commit to regular updates to affected families.
“It is therefore critical that the decision taken is one that will ensure justice and closure for the families of the victims, and the public at large. We want to assure the families as well as organisations representing the families of the victims, that the NPA takes this matter very seriously and we are in the process of making a thorough, well-informed decision,” Mahanjana said.
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