Babita Deokaran Remembered Five Years After Her Murder
Updated Aug. 9, 2026, 9:14 a.m. | By Simphiwe Gumede The family of slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran is holding a memorial service in Durban on Women's…
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Updated Aug. 9, 2026, 9:14 a.m. | By Simphiwe Gumede
The family of slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran is holding a memorial service in Durban on Women's Day, five years after her assassination. Deokaran was killed outside her Johannesburg home after raising concerns about corruption linked to Tembisa Hospital.
As the country marks Women's Day today, the family of slain whistle blower Babita Deokaran will be holding a memorial service in her honour in Durban
It comes as this month marks five years since her assassination.
She was shot and killed in a hail of bullets outside her Johannesburg home after exposing corruption linked to Tembisa Hospital.
The former Phoenix resident was the acting chief financial officer at the Gauteng Health Department at the time of her murder.
Her niece, Karishma Rambally, says the memorial is an emotional moment for the family and a reminder of the values Deokaran stood for.
" I hope future generations learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. Babita believed deeply in doing her job with honesty and protecting public resources. Her story shows us that one person can make a difference, and I hope her example inspires others to speak up when they see wrongdoing."
She says accountability and justice is what would bring the family a sense of closure. " I think Babita's story has certainly brought greater attention to the devastating consequences of corruption in our public institutions. Her concerns were not simply about figures on a spreadsheet. They were about resources that were meant to serve people. But for our family, taking her warning seriously must go beyond discussions.
It must lead to meaningful action and change.
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