The Shadow State

Why Babita Deokaran Had to Die

By: Jeff Wicks

Narrated by: Jeff Wicks

On 23 August 2021, a quiet, hardworking single mom was shot down in a hail of bullets as she drove home. Her name was Babita Deokaran, chief accountant at Tembisa Hospital. The izinkabi paid to kill her were caught, but the question remained: who ordered her murder, and why? Crime reporter Jeff Wicks set out to find the answer–a pursuit that would profoundly change, even endanger, his life. This is an explosive investigation into state capture and a moving tribute to the cost of integrity.

©2025 Jeffery Wicks (P)2025 Tafelberg

Exceptional Journalism!

Jeff’s commitment to the truth, and honouring Babita’s memory comes through in every word of this book.

Exceptionally written, narrated in the same manner.

Every single South African should listen to this book!

The Brave Amongst Us

Disheartening, heartbreaking and depressing reality of the scorching impact of corruption. Yet in the same vein, the bravery of Jeff Wicks to report on the very brave actions of Babita, offer a glimmer of hope. Well worth reading.

A journalist who refused to look away

What makes this story hit so hard is that this is not abstract corruption, it is theft from those who rely on public healthcare. When you see politicians and connected figures living in extreme luxury while hospitals struggle, this book shows you exactly how that happens.
As a tax-paying citizen, it reminded me why honesty matters. I may not live a glamorous life, but I have peace of mind knowing I am not worsening people’s suffering by stealing. The contrast between that and the greed exposed in this book is stark and disturbing.