NPA to prosecute officials implicated in Life Esidimeni tragedy

Nearly a decade after the tragedy shocked the nation, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it will prosecute individuals implicated in the deaths of mental healthcare patients during the Life Esidimeni transfer.

The incident, which unfolded between 2015 and 2016, claimed the lives of at least 141 psychiatric patients who were moved from licensed facilities to unregistered and ill-equipped non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) and hospitals.

Speaking to eNCA, NPA spokesperson, Kaizer Kganynago, said further details including the identities of those implicated, court dates and specific charges, will be announced in due course.

“At the moment, we are not in a position to indicate how many people, because we want to give them the respect of having to be served with the charges. We are in the process of identifying all the people who need to be prosecuted. Based on the information before us and all the legal processes that we have to undergo, we are ready to prosecute them. We will announce who the people are, when they are charged and when they will appear,” added Kganyango.

The NPA confirms that, following years of investigation and legal processes, a decision has been taken to prosecute individuals implicated in the tragic deaths of mental healthcare users during the #LifeEsidimeni transfers. pic.twitter.com/FtqYAQX1eZ

— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) April 13, 2026

The decision to prosecute follows findings from a July 2024 inquest led by Pretoria High Court Judge, Mmonoa Teffo, which concluded that several of the deaths were caused by negligence and systemic failures within the Gauteng Department of Health.

The court heard that from 1 April to 30th June 2016, more than 1,300 patients with chronic mental illness were hastily transferred to various facilities across Gauteng as part of cost-cutting and deinstitutionalisation process.

Teffo found former Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu and former Gauteng Health Department’s Mental Health Director, Dr Makgabo Manamela, criminally liable for the deaths.

The NPA has acknowledged the delays in bringing the matter to this stage, citing the complexity of the case and the scale of the evidence involved.

“These delays were occasioned by the complexity of the case, the scale of the evidence and the necessity of ensuring a thorough and legally sound process,” Kganyago said.

Families of the victims have long expressed frustration over the slow pace of justice.

The latest development follows the retirement of former National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, in January 2026, after which the matter was briefed to the newly appointed head of the NPA, Advocate Andy Mothibi.

Mothibi has indicated that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges, including culpable homicide.

A decade is a painful amount of time to wait for justice. Sending strength to the families who have fought tirelessly to reach this point. This prosecution is a massive step toward healing a very deep wound in our country. #LifeEsidimeni #NPA

— The Hot Headed One (@sto0018) April 13, 2026

Justice for Life Esidimeni Victims
144 lives lost.
10 years later—prosecutions begin.
Why did it take a decade?
Are inquests delivering justice—or delaying it?
The Life Esidimeni scandal demands more than answers. It demands speed! #JusticeForLifeEsidimenVictims https://t.co/DUycPKc8nU

— Sindisiwe Mhlongo (@SindisiweM93571) April 13, 2026

I lived with my mom who had dementia when the esidimeni tragedy happened.. it ripped my heart apart 💔 I couldn’t imagine my mother being treated that way..🥹

— TshepiG (@tshepig) April 13, 2026