The shocking murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran has reignited debates about corruption and accountability in South Africa’s healthcare system.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi delivered a fierce condemnation of those responsible, calling the killing a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who expose wrongdoing.
Speaking on Monday, 29 September, during the release of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) interim report into corruption at Tembisa Hospital, Motsoaledi made it clear that crimes like this shake public confidence to the core.
Motsoaledi Slams Corruption and Criminal Impunity
“The people who killed Babita are living lavishly, driving Lamborghinis, while public servants hide in fear and whistleblowers are paying with their lives,” Motsoaledi said. “Thugs are running amok in our country.
You start understanding why some nations resort to extreme measures—but we are a different country.”
His comments reflected frustration with the scale of criminality revealed in the report, which exposed the misappropriation of more than R2 billion of funds intended for healthcare services through fraudulent contracts.
Deokaran’s Courage and Tragic Fate
Deokaran, a senior official in the Gauteng Health Department’s finance unit, had bravely sounded the alarm over suspicious payments from Tembisa Hospital before her murder outside her home in August 2021.
Her death remains a chilling warning of the risks faced by those who stand against corruption.
SIU Report Unveils Widespread Corruption
The SIU’s findings implicate more than 15 current and former employees in crimes including corruption, money laundering, and collusion.
Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health, described the revelations as “serious and very concerning.”
“These acts of criminality are a profound breach of public trust and divert desperately needed resources from the most vulnerable,” Dr Dhlomo said.
“Some officials supported these syndicates with impunity, and they must face consequences. Such criminality cannot go unpunished.”
Parliament to Follow Up on Investigations
Dr Dhlomo added that the committee will continue engaging with the Department of Health and the SIU to monitor progress on the investigation and ensure accountability for those involved.
The Tembisa Hospital scandal highlights not only the dangers faced by whistleblowers but also the urgent need for stronger oversight in South Africa’s healthcare sector.