MEDIA STATEMENT:GUILTY PLEA NOT THE END OF THE ROAD – CLOSURE STILL A LONG WAY OFF

22 August 2023
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation notes the plea of guilt by the six accused in the case of Babita
Deokaran. While this is a significant development and ends a case that took almost 2 years, it
does not represent closure in any meaningful way.
Closure requires 4 things to happen.
• The people behind the assassins must be caught and prosecuted. They should receive the
harshest sentences possible.
• The companies and individuals who were profited from the corrupt practices that Babita uncovered
must likewise be brought to book. We trust that the work of the SIU will speed this up. This must
be done irrespective of party-political positions and connections.
• The possible replication of the Tembisa Hospital modus operandi must be investigated and
eradicated if found.
• The cases of officials suspended for either dereliction of duty of complicity in the corruption flagged
by Babita must be speeded up.

The conclusion of the case comes a day before the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and other civil society organisations prepare to pay homage to Babita on the second anniversary of her assassination. Amongst other issues, the memorial service will speak to the new developments of the case, plight of whistleblowers, and an update from the SIU. There will also be a handover of AKF’s petition, which was done through Change.org, to the Gauteng MEC of Health, Nomantu Nkomo – Ralehoko.
The speakers of the event will be:

1. Jeff Wicks – News24 Investigative Journalist
2. Adv Andy Mothibi – Head of the Special Investigating Unit
3. Firoz Cachalia – Head of National Anti- Corruption Advisory Council
4. Nomantu Nkomo – Ralehoko- Gauteng MEC for Health
5. Family representative
   Details of the event are as follows:
   Date: Wednesday, 23 August 2023
   Time: 5:30pm
   Venue: Christ the King Church, 276 Downham Avenue, Mondeor.
   For media inquiries please contact:
   Zusipe Batyi
   0713458405
   EN