But to date, there have been no arrests for the deaths and ill-treatment of patients at the hands of the Gauteng Health Department.

Arbitrator Justice Dikgang Moseneke said he couldn't order investigations to take place.

In total, 144 psychiatric patients died after being moved from Life Esidimeni centres to unlicensed NGOs across Gauteng.

People were moved without documentation to facilities with no food, no beds and no medication.

Post mortems revealed some patients had paper and plastic in their stomachs after having nothing to eat.

While families demand accountability, the National Prosecuting Authority says it's unable to provide an update.

"We are satisfied as the NPA at the pace at which work is progressing," said NPA spokesperson Phindi Louw-Mjonondwane.

"We really urge them to be patient. As soon as we have information, we will make contact with them."

eNCA