The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) General Khehla Sitole on Friday commended the investigating team’s breakthrough which led to the arrest of seven suspects in the murder case of Babita Deokaran.

Deokaran, the chief director of financial accounting in the Gauteng Department of Health, was shot outside her home, in Johannesburg, on Monday.

Special Investigating Unit spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that she was a witness in the province's personal protective equipment probe.

SAPS Gauteng Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, SAPS Johannesburg K9, Johannesburg East Crime Intelligence, Fidelity Specialised Services and Community Active Protection operationalised information received and conducted a takedown at the suspects’ hideouts in Johannesburg. During the arrests, the police recovered two firearms and two vehicles.

The case docket has been handed over to the Hawks for further investigation.

“I am confident that the Hawks will work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served,” said Sitole.