The Gauteng provincial government has commended the swift arrest of seven people in connection with the murder of health official Babita Deokaran.
On Friday, police spokesperson Col Brenda Muridili confirmed the arrests which took place in Johannesburg where officers recovered two firearms and two vehicles.
Gauteng premier David Makhura commended the police for a quick arrest.
“We have lost an upright public servant and I am pleased that SAPS has acted swiftly in arresting the suspects in the murder case of Ms Deokaran. I believe that police will uncover the masterminds behind this horrific crime.
“The corrupt elements in government who collude with rogue business to rig tenders have nowhere to hide. Looters shall not win. We will not retreat,” said Makhura.
Deokaran, 53, who was chief director of financial accounting in the health department, was gunned down on Monday outside her home in Winchester Hills, in the south of Johannesburg, after dropping her 16-year-old daughter at school. She died in hospital.
Deokaran was known for her strong stance against corruption and those close to her believe her murder was a hit. Her death has led to intensified calls for more protection of whistleblowers. She was a witness in the SIU investigation of the Gauteng PPE scandal.
Before her killing, Deokaran confided in Ahmed Kathrada foundation director Neeshan Bolton about irregularities and corruption happening in the department. The foundation described her killing as a professional hit.
The Public Service Commission said Deokaran’s killing was an attack on the public service as a whole. Gauteng Progressive Professionals said it was concerned about the safety of other professionals who have made sacrifices under difficult conditions to deliver services to the public.
Deokarans was laid to rest in Durban on Thursday.
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