Gauteng Premier David Mahura is finalizing the appointment of an Independent Forensic Investigator (IFI) to handle the charges arising from the investigation into the murder of Babita Deakaran.
Deakaran, who was the chief financial officer at the Department of Health, was shot and killed in the driveway of her home in August 2021.
She was an important witness in the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) corruption and fraud investigation.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) recently called for the immediate suspension of Tembisa Hospital CEO Ashley Mtunzi, who allegedly signed off on payments to more than 200 companies.
Deokaran identified the payments as potentially fraudulent.
Prime Minister Mahlalefi Lebota’s office said: “Prime Minister Mahura said that while we are committed to taking strong action against civil servants found to be failing in their duties under with the PFMA, we must ensure that our actions are in accordance with the PSA and other applicable regulations…”
The SIU has confirmed that Deakaran was a key witness in the investigation into a multi-million rand fraud related to the alleged improper tendering of COVID-19 personal protective equipment.
Deakaran discovered corrupt colleagues – influential politicians who allegedly fraudulently manipulated tenders for their own benefit.
SIU welcomes arrests in Babita Deakaran murder case:
Gauteng to appoint independent medical examiner to look into allegations in Babita Deakaran case pic.twitter.com/p1HGtBZf0Z
— GautengGov (@GautengProvince) August 15, 2022
Activists and relative of slain whistleblower Babita Deakaran in JHB Mag. court on the eve of a bail hearing for six men accused of her murder. She was a witness in an SIU investigation into dodgy PPE contracts when she was shot dead. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/PdT89v9cPQ
— Tshepa (@tphagane) December 20, 2021
The mastermind of Babita Deakaran’s murder must be brought to justice!! pic.twitter.com/cnlW7JY4WV
— Tlhogi Moseki (@MosekiTlhogi) September 13, 2021
The funeral of slain Gauteng health finance official Babita Deakaran is expected to begin in the next 90 minutes.
She was shot dead outside her JHB home this week.
Deakaran was a witness in a multi-million rand tender corruption case. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/mGHpVuHCw8
– Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThatiah) August 26, 2021
Prime Minister @David_Makhura joined civil society organizations for a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of those killed @GautengHealth senior official and anti-corruption fighter Babita Deakaran. The ceremony coincides with the exact timing of Ms Deakaran’s funeral, which is taking place in KwaZulu-Natal. pic.twitter.com/3sfroJgVaR
— GautengGov (@GautengProvince) August 26, 2021
