PSA condemns murder of Gauteng Health acting CFO

25 August 2021

The Public Servants Association (PSA) is saddened and shocked by the murder of the Gauteng Department of Health acting Chief Financial Officer, Ms Babita Deokaran, in an apparent “hit” earlier this week.

Ms Deokaran was shot and killed outside her home in Gauteng after she had dropped her child at school, allegedly by hitmen.

Ms Deokaran was a member of the PSA who understood the concept of integrity in the Public Service. During her tenure in financial accounting management, she unearthed information related to corruption in relation to irregular contracts. She also prevented irregular payments for personal protective equipment by the Department of more than R332 million. She also reported these findings to the relevant law enforcement authorities. The Office of the Premier in Gauteng and the Special Investigative Unit are investigating these alleged corrupt activities, which led to several disciplinary processes on which Ms Deokaran was a lead witness for law authorities.

The PSA condemns the murder and appeals for swift arrests of those involved in this brutal act. The PSA further demands that decisive action against those implicated in corrupt activities in the Gauteng Department of Health. Additionally, the PSA demands witness protection for all workers who are whistle blowers and witnesses in corruption cases to prevent similar incidents. Without such protection, workers will be discouraged to expose corrupt activities.

The PSA expresses sincere condolences with Ms Deokaran’s family and colleagues.

Issued by PSA, 25 August 2021