Nearly a decade after the deaths of their loved ones, families of victims of the Life Esidimeni tragedy say the decision to prosecute those responsible has reopened wounds that never truly healed.
This week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed it will pursue criminal charges, including culpable homicide, against individuals implicated in the deaths of at least 141 mental healthcare patients. The victims died between 2015 and 2016 after being transferred from specialised care facilities to unregistered and ill-equipped NGOs.
For families, the announcement is both a step toward justice and a painful reminder of the suffering endured by some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Many of the deceased were long-term psychiatric patients who depended entirely on state care. Relatives recall how their loved ones were removed abruptly, often without proper consultation, and placed in facilities that lacked even the most basic resources — including food, medication and trained staff.
Some families say they only learned about the deaths weeks or even months later.
“They were not just patients, they were our children, our siblings,” one grieving relative said. “They were sent to places where they were treated without dignity.”
Evidence presented during official proceedings revealed the extent of the neglect. Patients reportedly died from starvation, dehydration and untreated illnesses. Others were found in overcrowded conditions, lying on floors without proper bedding or care.
An inquest led by Judge Mmonoa Teffo concluded that many of the deaths were caused by negligence and systemic failures within the Gauteng Department of Health. The court also identified individuals whose conduct could give rise to criminal liability.
Among those who have faced scrutiny is former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu, who has largely remained out of the public spotlight in recent years.
Mahlangu resigned in 2017 amid widespread public outrage following the tragedy. During arbitration hearings led by retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, she was heavily criticised for her role in terminating the Life Esidimeni contract and overseeing the transfer of vulnerable patients to unlicensed NGOs.
The 2024 inquest findings further indicated that Mahlangu, along with other officials, could potentially face criminal prosecution due to the role they played in decisions that led to the deaths.
Since then, she has not held public office and has maintained a low profile, appearing only occasionally in legal proceedings related to the matter.
For years, families have waited for accountability, attending hearings and reliving painful memories in pursuit of justice. The delay in prosecutions has deepened their frustration, with many questioning why it has taken so long for charges to be brought.
The NPA acknowledged the delay, citing the complexity of the case, the volume of evidence and administrative processes, including leadership changes at the highest level. The decision was ultimately endorsed by National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Rodney Mothibi after he was briefed on the matter.
Despite the passage of time, families say their grief remains raw. Many continue to seek answers — not only about how their loved ones died, but why they were placed in such vulnerable conditions in the first place.
Human rights activists have described the case as one of the most severe violations of dignity in democratic South Africa, stressing that accountability is essential to restoring public trust.
For the families, however, the legal process is deeply personal.
“They had names, they had families, they had lives,” another relative said. “We just want justice for them.”
The NPA says it will engage affected families on the next steps, including court proceedings and formal charges.
As the case moves forward, families remain hopeful that, after years of waiting, justice will finally be served for those who died in silence and neglect.
