Babita Deokaran: Murder suspects due to appear in court

Seven suspects arrested in connection with the murder of PPE corruption whistleblower Babita Deokaran are set to make an appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 August 2021.

Deokaran, an official from the Gauteng Health Department, was shot outside her home in Winchester Hills, south of Johannesburg last week, in a suspected hit. The 53-year-old woman later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.

Deokaran, who served as the department’s chief director of financial accounting and occasional acting CFO, was one of the main witnesses in an investigation looking into PPE corruption in the province.

“SAPS Gauteng Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in collaboration with SAPS Johannesburg K9, Johannesburg East Crime Intelligence, Fedelity Specialised Services and Community Active Protection operationalised information received and conducted a takedown operation at the suspects’s hideouts in Johannesburg. During the arrests, the police recovered two firearms and two vehicles,” the police’s Colonel Brenda Muridili said.

“The case docket has been transferred to the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation for further investigation. There is a possibility of more charges being added to the charge of murder when the suspects appear in court soon,” she added.

Babita Deokaran: Growing calls for justice

The murder of Babita Deokaran sent shockwaves across the country and prompted calls for more measures to be taken in protecting whistleblowers.

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Neeshan Bolton welcomed the arrests of the suspects and further called for pressure to be exerted on law enforcement.

Bolton questioned how many cases involving whistleblowers are fully investigated, versus those that are being filed away.

“It sends a strong message that mafia-like operations aimed at eliminating corruption fighters will not be tolerated. It is however crucial that those who may have ordered Deokaran’s killing – irrespective of who they are or what power they may wield – are brought to book. The kingpins should not be immune to justice. This is essential to reinforce public confidence in the state’s ability to investigate, prosecute and jail all those who are guilty,” he said.