FF Plus asks Premier Makhura to protect Gauteng government’s whistle-blowers

25 August 2021

The FF Plus has made an urgent appeal to Gauteng Premier David Makhura to protect whistle-blowers after the shooting and murder of Babita Deokaran, a senior financial officer of the Gauteng Department of Health who was a witness in an investigation into fraud in the Department.

Deokaran was shot and killed outside her home in the South of Johannesburg. She was to give testimony about allegations of the irregular and unlawful procurement of personal protective equipment in the Health Department. Among other things, she prevented payments from being made for unlawful contracts.

Deokaran's death is a great loss because her integrity and honesty as well as her pursuit of a corruption-free government stood out above all else.

Her assassination was meant to be a clear message to all whistle-blowers that their lives are in danger and, therefore, Premier Makhura must engage with the Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lt.-Gen. Elias Malwela, to ensure the safety of people like Deokaran. Even if that means hiring a private security company for the job.

If Premier Makhura is unable to ensure the safety of whistle-blowers, then Gauteng is nothing but a gangster state.

The FF Plus herewith also expresses its condolences to the next of kin of Deokaran and pays homage to her as a true hero who followed her moral compass amid a quagmire of criminality.

Issued by Anton Alberts, FF Plus national chairperson and MPL: Gauteng, 25 August 2021