Kathrada Foundation calls for prosecution of mastermind in Babita Deokaran murder
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On the fifth anniversary of whistleblower Babita Deokaran’s assassination, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation demanded the prosecution of the masterminds who ordered her 2021 murder after she exposed over R2 billion in irregular tenders at Tembisa Hospital. While six hitmen were convicted in 2023, Executive Director Neeshan Balton emphasized that those who financed the crime remain at large and in positions of power. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stated that the investigation remains an urgent priority, noting that suspects’ political influence has hindered progress despite successful asset forfeitures against the Maumela Syndicate.
Consequences
The ongoing failure to prosecute the masterminds continues to threaten the safety of whistleblowers and the integrity of South Africa's public sector, as noted by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. Pressure will likely remain on the DPCI to resolve the case to maintain public trust, while the state will continue its efforts to dismantle the identified syndicates through further asset seizures.
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