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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng welcomes the decision by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prosecute those implicated in the deaths of mental health patients in the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

This is long overdue as families have had to wait 10 years for justice for the deaths of their loved ones.

It is essential that all those identified by the inquest are prosecuted on the full range of possible charges including culpable homicide.

This should include former Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu as politicians should not escape accountability for gross negligence that leads to suffering and death.

The DA will continue to champion the wellbeing of mental health patients who are still neglected in Gauteng hospitals, as seen in the recent report of the Health Ombud on the death of a psychiatric patient at the George Mukhari Hospital.

Successful prosecutions will serve as a deterrent by showing real consequences for those who abuse vulnerable patients.

Issued by Dr Jack Bloom MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health