The family of the late Babita Deokaran has welcomed recent developments in the R2b Thembisa Hospital tender corruption case, describing them as vindication for her integrity and a victory for South Africans who rely on the public healthcare system.

The family said the findings emerging from the investigations confirmed what Babita had exposed before her death: That entrenched corruption continued to siphon vital funds meant for patient care.

A life dedicated to public service

At the time of her passing on August 23, 2021, Babita served as the acting CFO in the Gauteng Department of Health.

Known for her dedication to transparency and accountability, she had uncovered suspicious payments totalling R850m at the Thembisa Hospital. She had called for a formal audit into the transactions just weeks before her death.

Her diligence and integrity made her a crucial ally of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) because she helped preserve vital evidence that exposed irregular and fraudulent activities within the department.

Major SIU and SAPS raids

In two unrelated but significant operations, the SIU and the SAPS intensified efforts connected to the hospital corruption saga.

On October 9, Sandhurst in Sandton became a scene of intense activity when SIU teams raided the lavish home of tender tycoon Hangwani Maumela, a businessman linked to the R2b Thembisa Hospital scandal.

A convoy of removal trucks lined the street when investigators entered the three-storey mansion and seized a fleet of luxury vehicles, including three Lamborghinis, each worth several million rand.

Photographs released by the SIU showed the vehicles loaded onto transporters, along with images of the property’s opulent interiors and a striking sculpture in the garden.

SIU spokesperson Ngwako Motsieng confirmed the operation.

“The SIU confirms an operation at a Sandhurst home linked to our Tembisa Hospital investigation. This operation is part of implementing the SIU’s investigation outcomes and consequence management. We will communicate further once the legal processes have been finalised,” Ngwako said.

Inside the mansion, investigators did a detailed search and spent several hours in discussions with Maumela’s legal team.

On the same day, the SAPS raided the home of the suspended deputy police commissioner, Shadrack Sibiya, marking another development in the broader crackdown on alleged corruption linked to public contracts and irregular procurement.

The assassination that shocked the nation

Babita’s life was cut short in a drive-by shooting outside her Winchester Hills home in southern Johannesburg.
She was assassinated shortly after dropping off her daughter at school. The killing sent shockwaves across the nation and brought renewed focus to the risks faced by whistleblowers in SA.

Reports later revealed that Babita had expressed fears for her safety after requesting a detailed audit of the Thembisa Hospital’s procurement records.

The sentencing of her killers

The SIU welcomed the sentencing of six men responsible for Babita’s assassination.

On August 22, 2023, the High Court of South Africa: Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg, sentenced the accused to terms ranging from six to 22 years in prison, following a plea and sentence agreement with the National Prosecuting Authority.

The court’s ruling was seen as a step toward justice, though the search for those who commissioned the murder continues.

Family calls for masterminds

Speaking on behalf of the family, Rakesh Deokaran, Babita’s brother, said they were encouraged by the progress but that the battle for justice was far from over.

“We are happy that there has been movement in Babita’s matter. But the corruption did not stop after her passing because billions more have been lost since then. As a family, we still want justice for Babita, and that means finding out who ordered the hit,” he said.

The Deokaran family is concerned that large-scale corruption appeared to have persisted even after Babita’s death.

Legacy of integrity and courage

Throughout her career, Babita exemplified courage and a commitment to clean governance. She became a vital barrier to irregular expenditure, ensuring accountability at every level.

Her meticulous work and fearless stance against corruption made her a symbol of ethical public service.
Her legacy now stands as a moral benchmark for those who continue to serve in government institutions.

A broader victory for South Africans

For the Deokaran family, the unfolding revelations at the Thembisa Hospital represent more than personal vindication. They reflect a broader victory for citizens demanding honesty and fairness in public service.

“What is coming to light now proves that she was right all along. She stood for honesty and accountability, even when it cost her life. This is not only our family’s victory; it is a victory for all South Africans who rely on public healthcare and want to see corruption rooted out,” Ali Gule said.

Justice still to be served

While the sentencing of her killers marked a milestone, the Deokaran family insists they will only achieve justice when the masterminds who ordered the assassination are identified and prosecuted.

They have called on authorities to continue their investigations with urgency and transparency, ensuring that Babita’s sacrifice leads to lasting change within the public sector.

WATCH: Babita Deokaran’s murderers get 6 to 22 years imprisonment