The Tembisa Hospital Heist Part 1 (The Assassination of a Whistleblower)

Summary

On August 23, 2021, Babita Deokaran, a 53-year-old health official and whistleblower, was assassinated outside her Johannesburg home after exposing tender irregularities involving 332 million Rands. After dropping her daughter at school and shopping, she was followed and fatally shot by gunmen in a coordinated attack. Despite initial breakthroughs in the investigation, including arrests and the recovery of key evidence, the masterminds behind her murder remain elusive. The case highlights the dangers faced by whistleblowers and the urgent need for better protection against corruption in South Africa. Two years later, six men pleaded guilty and were sentenced, yet questions about the broader conspiracy and accountability for corruption persist.

Takeaways

• 😢 Babita Deokaran, a 53-year old whistleblower, was shot and killed outside her home in Johannesburg.
• 😱 She was shot 10 times by gunmen in a white BMW who had been staking out her home.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Babita had exposed over $22 million in government corruption related to PPE contracts.
• 👮 Police used video footage and tips to identify suspects involved in the murder.
• 🚔 7 suspects were arrested including former soldiers and taxi operators.
• 🏢 The suspects had rented safe houses near Babita's home to monitor her movements.
• 🔫 Guns, cell phones and cash were found during police raids of the safe houses.
• 😔 Babita's murder was likely meant to silence her from revealing more corruption.
• 🤝 All 6 murder suspects ultimately pleaded guilty and received 6-22 year sentences.
• ❓ Questions remain about whether more people were involved in the corruption.

Q & A

What was Babita Deokaran's age at the time of her death?

Babita Deokaran was 53 years old at the time of her death.

What type of vehicle was Babita Deokaran in when she was attacked?

Babita Deokaran was in her gray Mercedes-Benz when she was attacked.

How many times was Babita Deokaran shot during the attack?

Babita Deokaran was shot 10 times during the attack.

What significant act had Babita Deokaran performed related to her job before her death?

Babita Deokaran had uncovered a corruption involving about 332 million Rands related to her job before her death.

What evidence led to the first breakthrough in the murder investigation of Babita Deokaran?

The first breakthrough in the murder investigation came when investigators received information about a white unmarked BMW, seen on several occasions parked in front of Babita Deokaran's house, which was used by the hitmen.

How many suspects were arrested in connection with Babita Deokaran's murder?

At least seven suspects were arrested in connection with Babita Deokaran's murder.

Were any of the suspects arrested health or government officials?

None of the suspects who appeared in court in the morning were Department of Health officials.

What was the outcome of the court case regarding the suspects in Babita Deokaran's murder?

All six people accused in the murder of Babita Deokaran pleaded guilty and were sentenced to between 6 and 22 years in relation to the murder charge.

What motivated the assassination of Babita Deokaran according to the script?

The assassination of Babita Deokaran was motivated by her actions to stop her from revealing the names of people involved in financial irregularities at her place of work.

What sentiment did Babita Deokaran's family express regarding the closure and justice for her murder?

Babita Deokaran's family expressed that nothing would ever bring closure due to her loss and emphasized their faith in the justice system, hoping that the case would not be swept under the carpet and that another chapter shall be exposed.