Proceedings in the Life Esidimeni inquest have concluded, with the Pretoria High Court now tasked with making its findings and recommendations on who was responsible for the deaths of 144 mental health patients after their move from Life Esidimeni to ill-equipped NGOs.
Many of the patients died from starvation, dehydration, and neglect, reports SABC News. Civil rights group, SECTION27 wants former Head of Gauteng Mental Health Services Dr Mmakgabo Manamela, former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu, and Ethel Ncube, the owner of Precious Angels, the NGO where 20 mental health patients died, to be charged with culpable homicide, while AfriForum wants the court to recommend murder charges.
A legal representative for several non-governmental organisations has suggested that the role of the facility should be considered in investigating the deaths of the patients.
“If you look at the periodic reports, for many users those were outdated, so the NGOs couldn’t rely on how the user was cared for or his health in the past year … that is where the submission is based. That it interrupted continuous care… because no matter the avenues the NGO tried, there was no way on these records to determine the treatment, and rehabilitative services for the users,” said Advocate Ebenezer Prophy representing three NGOs.
SABC News article – Life Esidimeni Inquest proceedings concluded (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
SECTION27 seeks culpable homicide charges against Life Esidimeni trio
Life Esidimeni: Premier told 40 patients dying every year was ‘normal’
Former MEC claims she was unaware of risks of Life Esidimeni transfers
Life Esidimeni: former Gauteng mental health boss denies concealing information