WHISTLEBLOWER BABITA DEOKARAN’S KILLERS SENTENCED
PRETORIA – Six accused, Phakamani Vincent Hadebe, Mhlangano Phinda Ndlovu, Sanele Mbhele, Siphakanyiswa Dladla, Zitha Radebe and Siphiwe Thabane Mazibuko were all found guilty and sentenced by the South Gauteng High court today, 22 August 2023 for the brutal murder of Ms Babita Deokaran.
It was reported that on 23 August 2021, the then employee of the Gauteng Department of Health, the late Ms Babita Deokaran was shot and killed by unknown assailants at the time. An investigation into her murder was launched by the Hawks’ Gauteng based Serious Organised Crime Investigation. Three days after the murder, 26 August 2021, six suspects were arrested for the murder following an intensive trace operation. The six appeared in court where their bail was denied and they were remanded in custody.
In the ensuing court process, the accused pleaded guilty to the murder this afternoon and were sentenced as follows:
Phakamani Vincent Hadebe was sentenced for murder to twenty-two (22) years imprisonment
Mhlangano Phinda Ndlovu was sentenced for murder to six (6) years imprisonment
Sanele Mbhele was sentenced for murder to twenty-two (22) years imprisonment
Siphakanyiswa Dladla was sentenced for murder to eight (8) years imprisonment, for possession of a firearm and for possession of ammunition taken together for purpose of sentence, seven (7) years imprisonment effective sentence fifteen (15) years imprisonment
Zitha Radebe was sentenced for murder to fifteen (15) years imprisonment
Siphiwe Thabane Mazibuko was sentenced for murder to fifteen (15) years imprisonment.
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv.) Godfrey Lebeya has applauded both the investigation and prosecution team for excellent work displayed throughout the court proceedings.
