Babita Deokaran murder suspects plead guilty

The six suspects accused of the murder of whistleblower and Gauteng Health senior official, Babita Deokaran, have pleaded guilty.

The suspects appeared at the Gauteng High Court on Tuesday, August 22.

Phakamani Hadebe, Zitha Hadebe, Nhlangano Ndlovu, Sanele Mbhele, Simphiwe Mazibuko and Phakanyiswa Dladla – were charged with murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The late Chief Director was gunned down on August 23, 2021 in Winchester Hills as she was returning from dropping off her child at school. Deokaran was rushed to hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

The suspects were arrested in Johannesburg three days later, with a seventh suspect who was not charged due to lack of evidence against him.

President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned Deokaran’s murder, saying regardless of the circumstances behind the tragedy, the senior finance official was a hero and a patriot. He also called for better protection of whistleblowers.

SIU Report confirms late Deokaran’s claims

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said in December last year that a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation into Tembisa Hospital has unearthed maladministration, fraud and corruption related to the Supply Chain Management processes at the hospital.

Lesufi said the investigation confirmed the existence of a forensic report drawn up by slain whistle blower, Babita Deokaran, which laid bare the alleged corruption at the health facility.

“We must take this opportunity to state that we are doing this to honour Babita’s legacy. We are doing this to fulfil our commitment that her death will not be in vain. She remains the symbol of whistle blowing and a symbol of fighting corruption. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those involved will suffer the consequences.

“Based on the report we have received on the cases that have been opened, the Hawks [raided] Tembisa Hospital [today] as part of the work we have requested them to do,” he said.

Lesufi said the investigation found that:

• The allegations of maladministration and possible fraud and corruption related to the Supply Chain Management process can be confirmed.
• Fraudulent suppliers and/or service providers are conducting business with the hospital and that possible fraudulent payments were made to those service providers.
• There were numerous irregularities in respect of the bid documents by successful and unsuccessful bidders at the hospital, which should have led to the disqualification of the bidders.
• Service providers were appointed irregularly, which caused the Department of Health and Wellness at the hospital to suffer irregular expenditure.
• The CEO at Tembisa Hospital, at the time of the irregular procurement, was responsible for authorising purchase orders and request forms, which led to the irregular appointment of 13 service providers.