Ten years on from the Life Esidimeni tragedy, where 141 mental health care users lost their lives after being moved from the Life Esidimeni health facility to ill-prepared non-government organisations, the South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that it will move forward with criminal prosecutions against individuals implicated.
The SA Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) welcomes the NPA’s decision, despite the long wait. SAFMH stands together with the individuals and families who have carried this pain for so long, and we hope this step brings them closer to justice and healing.
In 2024, after the judgment of Judge Mmonoa Teffo in the Life Esidimeni Inquest, Life Esidimeni Family Committee Member, Christine Nxumalo, said:
The pain my family and I experienced from the Life Esidimeni tragedy is profound and extremely personal. Judge Teffo’s ruling represents a significant moment not only for me but for all families affected. While it acknowledges our deep loss and suffering, it also shines a light on the systemic failures that contributed to this disaster. This decision feels bittersweet, as it validates our pain and renews our hope that the lessons learned will lead to meaningful change in mental health care and policy. For the families, this ruling is a reminder that our voices have been heard, and it reinforces our commitment to advocate for justice and support. I hope that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will take decisive action in holding those responsible accountable, ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again. Together, we will continue to strive for a future where all families can find peace and healing, knowing there is still much work to be done.” – Christine Nxumalo, Life Esidimeni Family Committee Member
SAFMH trusts that those responsible will finally be brought to justice and that these actions will serve as a lesson to those entrusted with the duty to care.
For more, you can read the press statement from Section 27 here.
It is worth noting that the NPA’s decision comes at a time when yet another crisis regarding community-based mental health care and the actions of the Gauteng Department of Health are unfolding in Gauteng. This pertains to the impending closure of The Talisman Foundation, which is currently being addressed by a partnership consisting of Section 27, SAFMH, SADAG, and The Talisman Foundation. There are stark similarities between the Life Esidimeni tragedy and what is currently transpiring. Read more about this here.
For media enquiries and more information, please contact:
Michel’le Donnelly – Communications & Awareness Lead
CELL: +27 (0)79 799 6533
EMAIL: michel’le@safmh.org
