By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has initiated a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) inquiry into more than R1 billion in payments which flowed from Tembisa Hospital.
The investigation was prompted by the assassination of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran, who was assassinated after revealing the irregularities.
Deokaran was murdered in August 2021 outside her home for reporting a series of fraudulent transactions at Tembisa Hospital.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa signed the proclamation last week.
Deokaran had raised concerns about several questionable transactions at the hospital a few weeks before her untimely death. She had even cautioned that her life might be at risk due to her revelations.
Once the SIU’s mandate is officially published, their team will employ a comprehensive set of investigative tools.
This includes forensic examination of communication and financial records, and the authority to summon those suspected of involvement.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) applauded the proclamation signed by Ramaphosa.
“Though the gazette is not yet published for us to see the extend of the scope of investigation, we welcome this proclamation and hope that it gives SIU the powers to trace the bank accounts where these monies ended, “SAFTU’s spokesperson Trevor Shaku said.
Meanwhile the case against the six men accused of the murder of Deokaran has been postponed again to allow the State and defence time to finalise the plea and sentence agreement.
Phakamani Hadebe, Zitha Radebe, Nhlangano Ndlovu, Sanele Mbhele, Siphiwe Mazibuko, and Siphakanyiswa Dladla appeared at the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday for what was supposed to be the start of their trial.
However, the prosecutor Steven Reuben asked the court for the postponement to allow the parties to finalise the agreement.
He told the court that they had started drafting the agreements, but needed more time to finalise them. Judge Motsamai Makume granted a postponement until 22 August.
Deokaran’s brother Rakesh, who was in court, said despite the numerous postponements, the family still believed that justice would be served.
He said they couldn’t wait for the trial to begin. “We can’t wait to see the plea,” he said.
Deokaran was killed on 23 August 2021. Next week will mark the second anniversary of her death, and Rakesh said the date was always a difficult day for the family.