From Doctor to Deportee: The Shocking Case of Lauren Dickason

Former South African doctor Lauren Dickason will be deported from New Zealand after serving her prison sentence. She received an 18-year sentence for the tragic deaths of her three daughters: Liané, 6, and 2-year-old twins Maya and Karla. This heartbreaking event occurred in September 2021 while her husband was at dinner. When he returned home, he found the bodies of his children.

Background of the Case

The Dickason family had just moved from South Africa to New Zealand weeks before the tragedy. During her trial, Dickason admitted to killing her daughters. She expressed deep regret and said she had failed them. In August 2023, a New Zealand court sentenced her to a mental healthcare facility after she pleaded not guilty to murder charges, citing insanity.

Sentencing and Deportation

While Dickason began her sentence in a mental facility, she could be transferred to prison later. Fadia Mudafar, the National Manager of Compliance at Immigration New Zealand, stated that they plan to start the deportation process once she finishes her sentence.

Mudafar confirmed, “Lauren Dickason has been served with a deportation order. Immigration New Zealand will proceed with her deportation upon her release.” However, she did not provide more details, citing “additional factors” related to Dickason’s mental health treatment at Hillmorton Hospital.

Deportation Policy in New Zealand

In New Zealand, it is standard to deport individuals convicted of serious crimes. Immigration New Zealand issues deportation notices and orders for those involved in criminal behavior or who pose public risks. This policy ensures that serious offenders cannot remain in the country after completing their sentences.

Appeal and Future Prospects

Dickason plans to appeal her convictions. Her defense argues that she suffered from postpartum depression, worsened by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and unrest in South Africa in July 2021. During sentencing, Justice Cameron Mander stated that a life sentence with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years would be “manifestly unjust.” He recognized that her actions stemmed from a mental disorder and acknowledged her as a loving mother.

As it stands, Dickason is eligible for parole in September 2027. Her case has received significant media attention and raises important questions about mental health and the legal system.

Lauren Dickason’s deportation to South Africa marks a significant development in her case. As she faces the challenges of her mental health and the legal process, her story reminds us of the struggles many individuals face with severe mental health issues. The community will closely monitor her appeal and future developments in the coming years.