Advocate Andy Mothibi, co-chairperson of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, has announced that investigations into the 2021 murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran are nearing completion.
Deokaran, the former chief financial officer of the Gauteng Health Department, was gunned down outside her Johannesburg home in August 2021 after exposing tender corruption at Thembisa Hospital. Her killing highlighted the dangers faced by whistleblowers in South Africa.
Speaking on the sidelines of anti-corruption discussions, Mothibi emphasized the need for stronger protections for informants, particularly as the Whistleblower Protection Bill undergoes parliamentary review.
“Whistleblowers are a critical focus of the Anti-Corruption Working Group,” Mothibi stated. “Protecting them is a key initiative—one we must prioritize, especially given the extreme risks they face, including death.”
He acknowledged Deokaran’s pivotal role in uncovering corruption at Thembisa Hospital, crediting her efforts with aiding investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Gauteng Health Department.
“The investigation is being finalized, and we will soon conclude our work,” Mothibi said, adding that he would soon meet with the investigative team.
To encourage more whistleblowers to come forward, Mothibi stressed the importance of improved protective measures. He noted that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is spearheading reforms, with support from the presidency.
The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of whistleblower safety following the Zondo Commission’s recommendations on state corruption. Authorities hope that strengthening legal safeguards will prevent tragedies like Deokaran’s murder while bolstering South Africa’s fight against graft.