The Gauteng Ethics Advisory Council (GEAC) joined Gauteng Premier David Makhura and his executive council in condemning the murder of Babita Deokaran.
Deokaran (53) was a senior official at the Gauteng Department of Health. She was gunned down outside her home in the South of Johannesburg on August 23, moments after she dropped her child at school.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has confirmed that Deokaran was a witness in the multimillion-rand provincial health PPE probe.
The GEAC send their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Deokaran and express their sadness at the loss of a life that stood and fought for the truth.
The SIU also confirmed that Deokaran had previously worked with them on other investigations. Such was her commitment to uncovering the truth.
The GEAC commits itself to build on Deokaran’s courageous acts.
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“We will do our utmost to advise the Gauteng government on how to develop a culture that enables more well-meaning citizens, to be courageous and stand up against malfeasance whenever it rears its ugly head,” said chairperson of the GEAC Terence Nombembe.
“She ultimately laid down her life in search of it. Her bravery will remain a valuable symbol of courage for the Gauteng region and our nation as a whole.
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“We will leave no stone unturned to counsel the premier and executive on how to ensure whistle blowers are not only adequately protected but reassured of their safety on the path to goodness, ethics and integrity within the Gauteng region,” said the chairperson.
GEAC urged civil society organisations to denounce this dastardly crime and appeals to law enforcement agencies to do everything in their power to ensure those responsible for Deokaran’s murder are brought to book speedily.
