The much-anticipated judgment in the Life Esidimeni Inquest will be delivered on July 10, by Judge Mmonoa Teffo of the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

The judgment was previously set down to be delivered on June 28.

The inquest was launched to determine the cause of the deaths of the 141 mental health care users who died after they were transferred from Life Esidimeni to unlicenced non-governmental organisations.

SECTION27 represented 44 mental healthcare users who died in conditions of extreme neglect, with many of them being emaciated, dehydrated and suffering from bed sores, it said.

At the inquest, SECTION27 argued that the former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu, the former Director of Mental Health Directorate Dr Makgabo Manamela and the owner of Precious Angels non-governmental organisation should be charged with culpable homicide for their involvement in the tragic deaths of 141 mental health care users who were relocated from Life Esidimeni in 2015 and 2016.

SECTION27 explained that the court is also tasked with determining whether the conduct of any individual directly caused or contributed to these deaths.

It added that following the court’s decision, the National Prosecuting Authority will decide on whether to pursue criminal prosecution.

SECTION27 said it recognised that the judgment cannot restore lost lives and dignity, but it carries the potential to enhance public confidence and reinforce accountability in governance.

“For the families of mental health care users who died after being transferred from Life Esidimeni, and indeed for the many people who have watched as the different legal processes relating to this case have unfolded over the past eight years, it has been a long wait for criminal accountability, and we look forward to Judge Teffo’s decision,” it said.