Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has called for those who allegedly financed and benefited from the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran to be brought to justice.
The call comes five years after Deokaran was gunned down outside her home in Johannesburg after raising concerns about alleged corruption and the looting of funds at Tembisa Hospital.
Deokaran was serving as chief director of financial accounting in the Gauteng Department of Health at the time of her death.
The Special Investigating Unit has since linked the alleged corruption at Tembisa Hospital to at least three coordinated syndicates and has implicated businessmen Hangwani Maumela and Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala.
Speaking at a commemoration for Deokaran in Johannesburg on Sunday, Cachalia said he had recently met with the Hawks and had been assured that investigations into her murder were continuing.
Cachalia said those responsible for ordering and financing the assassination must face justice, arguing that corruption within government structures remains a serious concern.
Six men who pleaded guilty to Deokaran’s assassination were sentenced in August 2023 to a combined 95 years in prison.
However, the alleged masterminds behind the contract killing have not been identified or prosecuted.
Cachalia said the continued lack of accountability was concerning, particularly where individuals allegedly involved in corruption may have the influence and resources to protect themselves.
He also warned that the alleged corruption uncovered at Tembisa Hospital was not an isolated problem and reflected broader concerns about systemic corruption across government departments.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing the investigation and identifying those who allegedly ordered and financed Deokaran’s murder.