Whistleblower Babita Deokaran flagged irregularities at Tembisa Hospital, sparking an SIU investigation before her assassination in August 2021. [Facebook via IOL]
(The Post News)- Nearly four years after whistleblower Babita Deokaran was killed, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) says its corruption probe into Tembisa Hospital is now almost complete.
Deokaran was gunned down outside her home after exposing suspicious tender payments linked to Tembisa Hospital.
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Deokaran’s assassination brought nationwide renewed focus to the safety of whistleblowers in South Africa.
Speaking to SABC News, SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi confirmed that the unit is in the final stages of its investigation. He will soon meet with his team to review the findings before the final report. Mothibi credited Deokaran’s brave work in exposing rot within the Gauteng Department of Health, specifically the tender procurement practices at Tembisa Hospital.
Mothibi further acknowledged the ongoing risks faced by whistleblowers and that more should be done to protect these individuals.
He said, “Because we’ve seen in many instances, whistleblowers suffer prejudice — in some instances, even the extreme price of death.”. In the wake of Deokaran’s death, to ensure the whistleblower’s safety, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, with backing from the Presidency, is currently leading efforts to enhance whistleblower protection frameworks across the country.
The SIU’s final report on the Tembisa Hospital investigation is expected to be made public once complete.
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