Gauteng Government Hires Independent Investigators to Probe Murdered Babita Deokaran’s Corruption Allegations

Gauteng Government Hires Independent Investigators to Probe Murdered Babita Deokaran’s Corruption Allegations

  • The Gauteng government has hired an independent forensic investigator to probe slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran's allegations
  • The Department of Health official was a critical witness for the Special Investigating Unit and was gunned down in 2021
  • Gauteng Premier David Makhura said that his office is finalising the appointment of an investigator to probe the alleged corruption

New feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find “Recommended for you” block and enjoy!

JOHANNESBURG - An independent forensic investigator will be tasked with finding information related to the allegations brought forward by murdered Department of Health whistleblower Babita Deokaran.

Babita Deokaran
The Gauteng government has hired an independent forensic investigator to probe Babita Deokaran's allegations. Image: Fani Mahuntsi
Source: Getty Images

The victim was a critical witness for the Special Investigating Unit and was killed in a drive-by shooting outside the home last year. The matter was being probed by News24, and the investigations revealed that Deokaran escalated more than R800 million in irregular contracts.

Read also

ANC Women's League wants police to deal with sexual assault allegations against Enoch Godogwana swiftly

Gauteng Premier David Makhura said that his office is finalising the appointment of an investigator to investigate the alleged corruption. The officials implicated in the labour matters have been handed over to the Department of Health in Gauteng.

Makhura said while the provincial government is committed to ensuring that decisive action is taken against public servants involved in the alleged corruption, the actions must be in line with Public Finance Management and Public Service acts. Makhura added that his office is treating the matter in a serious light.

PAY ATTENTION: Never miss breaking news – join Briefly News' Telegram channel!

Deokaran escalated her concerns about the dodgy dealing and fears for her safety to the department’s chief financial officer, Lerato Madyo. However, nothing was done, EWN reported.

South Africans react to the government’s probe into the allegations:

@VusiSambo said:

"A forensic audit almost a year later after Babita Deokaran’s senseless assassination by the ANC thugs and tenderpreneurs? You sure can’t fault Gauteng ANC Mafia Don, David Makhura on paying lip service."

Read also

President Cyril Ramaphosa unbale to close North West elective conference after rowdy group creates security breach

@chrisfvz commented:

"Government appointing someone who is independent? Pull the other one."

@AardvarkBloody posted:

"This man had the perfect opportunity to clean house after the Life Esidemeni catastrophe, for which his government took no responsibility. Instead, he opted for more of the same. The murder of the whistleblower is on him and his administration."

@WhistleblwrHse added:

"Let’s remember what Babita Deokaran did for our country."

Bail denied for 6 men accused of murdering Babita Deokaran, to spend Christmas in jail

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday ruled that the six suspects charged with murdering Gauteng Department of Health official Babita Deokaran will spend Christmas in jail.

Phakamani Hadebe, Zitha Radebe, Nhlangano Ndlovu, Sanele Mbhele, Siphiwe Mazibuko and Siphakanyiswa Dladla were all denied bail after magistrate Sipho Sibanyoni said the group had made weak arguments to prove exceptional circumstances in their bail application.

New feature: check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Bianca Lalbahadur avatar

Bianca Lalbahadur Bianca Lalbahadur is a current affairs journalist at Briefly News. With a knack for writing hard-hitting content, she is dedicated to being the eyes and ears of South Africans. As a young and vibrant journalist, Bianca is passionate about providing quality and factual stories that impact citizens. She graduated from the Independent Institute of Education in 2017 and has worked at several award-winning Caxton associated community newspapers.

Tags: