SIU Expands Investigation Into Hospital Corruption Following Whistleblower's Death

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) of South Africa is currently broadening its investigative lens to scrutinize potential corruption across various hospitals in Gauteng. This development follows the tragic assassination of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, a senior official who flagged fraudulent activities involving roughly R850 million at Tembisa Hospital.

SIU head Andy Mothibi disclosed during the remembrance of Deokaran's death that the corruption might not be confined to Tembisa Hospital alone. After Deokaran was killed outside her home in south Johannesburg, further probes have unveiled the possibility of widespread malfeasance.

Investigations have identified approximately three criminal syndicates operating within Tembisa Hospital, said Mothibi. He highlighted that new whistleblowers, previously linked to these syndicates, stepped forward with allegations implicating additional hospitals.

Mothibi informed the attendees of the event that the team is in constant contact with whistleblowers, verifying the information which may warrant the expansion of the current proclamation - or lead to new ones, enabling the SIU to widen their probe to cover other hospitals throughout the province.

On Friday, a report released prior to the memorial event disclosed a staggering potential theft of R3 billion from Tembisa Hospital since Deokaran's murder, indicating the scale of the corruption she had uncovered.

However, the investigation's progress has not been without impediments. Mothibi emphasized the complexities faced, including safety concerns surrounding the SIU investigators themselves. He noted that they have received threats when traveling between Pretoria and Tembisa for investigative work.

The SIU head stated that they have engaged with crime investigation units and the police to safeguard their operations and ensure that the investigation continues without any obstruction or danger to those involved.

The case of Babita Deokaran brought attention not only to the acts of corruption within the South African healthcare system but also to the peril faced by individuals who dare to expose such wrongdoings.