Why Babita did not die in vain

Babita Deokaran stood no chance. The brave woman, who first lifted the lid on the corruption and malfeasance at Tembisa Hospital, paid with her life when she discovered criminals were about to stage a R2 billion heist at the hospital.

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On 23 August 2021, she was snuffed out by hitmen who sprayed her car with bullets, not only shattering the serene morning in the Johannesburg suburb of Mondeor, but sending shockwaves through the whistleblowing community.

Just days before she was slain Deokaran, acting chief director at the Gauteng department of health, had sent a chilling message to her boss, warning her life was in danger. Nothing was done to protect her.

Four years later, Deokaran is fighting back — from the grave. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) this week released its report into the brazen R2 billion looting of Tembisa Hospital by bloodsucking, shameless tenderpreneurs.