NPA TO PRIORITISE THE LIFE ESIDIMENI INQUEST JUDGEMENT
The NPA takes note of the judgment of the Life Esidimeni Inquest handed down by the Pretoria High court in relation to the death of 141 patients. Judge Teffo found that the former Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the former Gauteng mental health head Dr Makgabo Manamela can he held liable for the death of ten patients. The judge also found that no-one can be held liable for the other 133 patients that died.
The NPA is committed to ensuring accountability for any crimes committed in relation to this national tragedy. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Pretoria will study the judgment to determine whether the NPA will institute criminal prosecutions against the two individuals whom the court found can be held liable for the deaths.
If there is relevant and admissible evidence to charge the persons found by the court to be liable for the deaths, the NPA will not hesitate to take the matter to a criminal trial. It should be noted that an inquest does not necessarily equate to a trial-ready case as there may be additional criminal investigations that need to be conducted. The NPA will prioritse this matter, together with the SAPS to ensure that any outstanding investigations are expedited so that the DPP can make a decision.
