Kaya 959 News Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa says Babita Deokaran is a “hero and a patriot” in an open letter to South Africa.
Deokaran was the chief director of financial accounting at the Department of Health.
She was shot outside her home in Johannesburg on Monday, 23 August.
Her murder is reportedly relatedly related to Deokaran acting as a key witness to PPE fraud in the department.
Also Read: Investigations reveal how gang spied on Gauteng Health official before hit
The Department of Justice and Correctional Services and Law enforcement agencies work together to offer support to witnesses of crime.
The witness protection programme is voluntary.
A witness must apply to form part of it.
Ramaphosa asks South African’s to work together to identify and address inadequacies in the existing laws that protect witnesses.
“Whistleblowers are important guardians of our democracy. They raise the alarm against unethical acts and practices in government and organisations.”
Ramaphosa commends Deokaran for her bravery along with the many other whistleblowers who intervene to “unmask those committing corruption”.
Full Letter: From the desk of the president



