GOOD Statement by Brett Herron
GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
23 August 2023
The GOOD Party welcomes the plea and sentence agreement reached between the NPA and the six men accused of killing Gauteng Department of Health Acting Chief Financial Officer, Babita Deokaran.
GOOD hopes that the combined sentences of 95 years will bring some peace to her family and loved ones.
However, true justice will only be served when the real masterminds behind her murder are uncovered.
Beyond holding all who contributed to Deokaran’s murder to account, she should be remembered for her courage and her contribution to her country.
Babita Deokaran, was assassinated two years ago today after daring to shine a spotlight on irregularities in the spending of the Department of Health.
The Senior State Advocate, Steven Rubin, referred to her as “a hero of the nation”.
Her death highlighted South Africa’s need to do more to protect and support whistleblowers.
Her integrity, and those of other whistleblowers, should become an annual focal point on this day in the battle to restore the soul of the nation.
There seems to be an absence of care for those who put their lives at risk in pursuit of justice and rooting out corruption.
Whistleblowers have played a key role in South Africa and have done so taking great risks with very little to gain.
Following yesterday’s court appearance, the NPA said “We hope that this sentence conveys a clear message that attempts to silence law-abiding persons, especially whistleblowers, who seek to assist the state against corrupt activities, like the deceased, won’t be tolerated.”
As Good we will hold the NPA to that statement.
Deokaran was a strong woman who swam in a sea of dishonesty and paid the ultimate price for kicking against the tide of corruption and impunity.
Media Enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 082 518 3264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Samantha Jackson, GOOD Acting Media Manager
Cell: 083 550 9875
Email: media@forgood.org.za