Memorial to honour Babita Deokaran, two years after her murder

Two years ago, whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who had gone to drop off her child at school – didn’t know that it would be her last day.

As she returned home, six men ambushed and gunned down the Gauteng Department of Health senior official – outside her Winchester Hills home, south of Johannesburg.

The 53-year-old was killed after exposing tender irregularities at the Tembisa Hospital, which amounted to millions of rands.

A commemoration for Deokaran is set to be held this morning outside her home, where she was killed and a memorial service will be held later in the day.

The Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) head, Andy Mothibi, and the Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, are expected to be among those attending.

Yesterday, the six men charged with the public servant’s murder, pleaded guilty in the high court in Johannesburg and were given sentences ranging from six to 22 years, respectively.

They faced a number of charges including murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

The Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, and the head of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Neeshan Balton say justice in this case will only be served when the suspects reveal who hired them to kill Babita.

MEDIA STATEMENT: Guilty plea not the end of the road – Closure is still a long way off. #JusticeForBabita pic.twitter.com/VtnFcrZzoh

— Kathrada Foundation (@KathradaFound) August 22, 2023