By: Natasha Archary

The murder trial of slain Gauteng health official Babita Deokaran has been postponed to 07 August in the Johannesburg High Court.
Deokaran was gunned down outside her Mondeor home in August 2021. She was parked outside of her property at the time in Winchester Hills, south of Johannesburg. She had just dropped off her daughter at school.
Babita was set to be a witness in a COVID-19 PPE procurement scandal which was estimated at over R330 million.
A single mother, Deokaran was the Chief Director of Financial Accounting at Gauteng’s health department. The department is under investigation for fraud and corruption related to a personal protective equipment (PPE) tender.
The 53-year old was approached by six armed men who opened fire on her vehicle, killing her instantly.
While six men are on trial for carrying out the organized hit on Deokaran, the mastermind to the crime is unknown at this stage.
Judge Motsamai Makume remanded the matter to August due to accused’s lawyer falling ill. The postponement also allows the defence the opportunity to go through key evidence the State intends on presenting.
The six men, Phinda Ndlovu, Phakamani Hadebe, Siphiwe Mazibuko, Sanele Mbhele, Zitha Radebe, Siphakanyisa Dladla face charges of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Babita’s brutal murder has highlighted the importance of protection for whistleblowers in the country. Her murder was called out for a being a hit from the start, as nothing was stolen from her home or vehicle.
Also read: Meyiwa murder trial to resume today with new judge



