The family of slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran says they have hope that the mastermind behind her assassination will soon be found.

Deokaran was shot outside her home in 2021 after exposing alleged tender corruption at Tembisa Hospital in the East Rand.

At the time, Deokaran was serving as acting Chief Financial Officer in the Gauteng Health Department.

On Thursday, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) raided the home of businessman Hangwani Maumela in Sandton, Johannesburg.

He is linked to their ongoing investigation into the Tembisa hospital corruption scandal.

Family Spokesperson Ali Gule says, “This is not only the vindication for the family, but it’s the victory for the ordinary people on the ground who are using that hospital. The recent search and seizures that we have seen this week is even giving us more hope.”

Gule adds, “ We’re getting closer and closer to eventually establish who is the paymaster or paymasters that paid the hitman on Babita, because remember, until and unless those people are also exposed, there will be no justice for the family.”

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