Minister Motsoaledi and SIU call for protection of whistleblowers as Tembisa Hospital corruption report released. Image credit: IOL
(The Post News) – The masterminds behind the assassination of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran remain free four years later, even as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) reveals the massive R2 billion corruption scam she disclosed at Tembisa Hospital.
For her integrity, Babita Deokaran, a senior official in the financial department of the Gauteng Health Department, paid the ultimate price. A few weeks before her ruthless murder on August 23, 2021, she reported R850 million in questionable payments coming from Tembisa Hospital. Shortly after dropping her daughter off at school, she was shot dead outside her house.
Her family and the country continue to suffer from the agonising question of who issued the order, even though six men have been condemned to prison terms ranging from six to 22 years for her murder.
SIU Reveals Massive R2 Billion Looting
The thorough investigation triggered by Deokaran’s sacrifice has uncovered a corruption plot that goes much beyond what she first discovered. Through fraudulent tenders and the avoidance of appropriate purchasing regulations, the syndicates stole more than R2 billion from the public finances, according to the SIU’s continuing investigation into Tembisa Hospital.
Three significant syndicates have been detected by the SIU, and 116 officials have been referred for disciplinary action; four criminal cases have been forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Key Syndicates and Allegations:
- The Maumela Syndicate: This syndicate allegedly obtained tenders totaling over R800 million under the leadership of tender tycoon Hangwani Morgan Maumela. Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a controversial businessman, is associated with Maumela. Maumela’s assets, worth about R520 million, have been seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU). These assets include a number of houses and a collection of high-end cars, including four Lamborghinis.
- The Syndicate of Mazibuko: This syndicate allegedly made R283 million and was connected to Rudolph Mazibuko.
- The ‘X Syndicate’: This third, as-yet-unidentified syndicate is accused of committing improper transactions totalling approximately R600 million.
An estimated R122 million in kickbacks was given to accused officials at the hospital and in the Department of Health, according to the SIU investigation, with one senior official taking home R30 million.
Calls for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection
Frustration is growing over the slow progress toward full responsibility, despite the scathing results. The deceased whistle-blower’s brother, Rakesh Deokaran, stated that his family will never be able to move on from the loss and that “all we want is for the mastermind to be brought to book.”
According to investigative journalist Jeff Wicks, whose recent book ‘The Shadow State’ explores the corruption, “it’s become more and more difficult to cling to some sort of hope that there will be any accountability in this sorry saga.” Wicks emphasised the challenge of holding onto faith.
Stronger protection for whistle-blowers has been demanded in response to the murder:
Arguing that the legal system failed Deokaran, ActionSA has redoubled its calls to identify the masterminds and is formally putting out new legislation to better protect and encourage whistle-blowers.
Advocate Andy Mothibi, the head of SIU, has publicly demanded that the present “narrow” legislature be reviewed and that a broader definition and more strong regulations be established to safeguard people who reveal wrongdoing. Lamborghinis are being driven by the individuals who killed Babita. Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi emphasised the obvious inequity by saying, “They are living a free life.”
The Unfinished Business
A thorough picture of the looting is given by the SIU’s inquiry, which is currently investigating allegations that the corruption spreads to other hospitals. However, without arrests and prosecutions for the murder and corruption, the investigation cannot be considered successful.
Concerned that only “low ranking criminals are sent to prison and the masterminds go free,” the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other civil bodies have called on the NPA and SAPS to take action. Deokaran’s own foreshadowing message to her boss hinted at this trend, saying, “I am just worried that the guys in Tembisa are going to realise that we are not releasing their payments and know that we onto something… our lives could be in danger.”
The sacrifice made by Babita Deokaran has come to represent honesty and bravery in the face of horrific, murderous corruption. To make sure her final sacrifice was not in vain, her family and the general public urge that those responsible for her death be held accountable.
About the Author
