Babita Deokaran

Slain whistleblower, Babita Deokaran. Photo: Tebogo Mantambo and Kevin Singh / Facebook

Forensic Investigator to be appointed in Babita Deokaran case

Babita Deokaran was brutally murdered after flagging suspicious transactions in PPE procurement in Gauteng hospitals.

Babita Deokaran

Slain whistleblower, Babita Deokaran. Photo: Tebogo Mantambo and Kevin Singh / Facebook

The Gauteng Provincial Government is planning to appoint an Independent Forensic Investigator to deal with allegations emerging from the murder investigation of slain whistleblower, Babita Deokaran. 

Deokaran, Chief Director: Financial Accounting in the Department of Health was gunned down in her driveway in August 2021. She was a critical witness in the investigation by the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) for corruption and fraud in the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the province.

FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR TO BE APPOINTED IN BABITA DEOKARAN CASE 

Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, said the  Provincial Government is treating the Babita Deokaran matter in a very serious light and his office is finalising the process of appointing an Independent Forensic Investigator to investigate the allegations that have surfaced relating to the case. 

Makhura said labour matters relating to officials implicated in the matter have been referred to the Head of Department of Health, Gauteng, to deal with them as per  the Public Service Act (PSA) and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

“While we are committed in ensuring that decisive action is taken against public servants that have been found to have failed in discharging their responsibilities in line with the PFMA, we need to ensure that our actions are in line with the PSA and other applicable prescripts,” said Makhura.

Makhura also cautioned that the issues related to the tragic death and murder of Deokaran are still under investigation by law enforcement agencies and therefore law enforcement agencies must be allowed space to do their work.

SIX ACCUSED MEN MADE THEIR FIRST JOBURG HIGH COURT APPEARANCE

There are six men charged with the murder of the whistleblower. The accused made their first appearance before the High Court in Johannesburg on Friday, 22 July 2022. They are facing charges of attempted murder, murder, the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Reports revealed that during their arrests, the men made an array of confessions. One that stood out was that former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize allegedly orchestrated the hit on Deokaran.

The men have since changed their tune and claim to have confessed under duress. 

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