Tebogo Msimanga |
The Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla welcomed the guilty plea and sentencing of the six men arrested and charged for the murder of senior Gauteng Health official, Babita Deokaran.
Deokaran, a whistleblower was shot and killed on 23 August 2021. Minister Phaahla believes this was a heinous crime committed in an attempt to cover for the deeds of corruption, and the guilty plea is not sufficient enough, hence he calls upon the accused to never take their secret to the grave but disclose fully those who were involved and behind this dastardly deed of criminality.
Meanwhile, NPA Gauteng Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the NPA applauds the remarkable work of Advocate Steven Rubin and the Investigating Officer from the Hawks, for ensuring that Deokaran’s murderers are brought to book. “We hope that this sentence conveys a clear message that attempts to silence law-abiding persons, especially whistleblowers, who seek to assist the state against corrupt activities, like the deceased, won’t be tolerated”.
