JOHANNESBURG - Investigations to identify the mastermind behind whistleblower Babita Deokaran's assassination remains active.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia promises that the police are prioritising cracking the case.
Five years on, the pain of her assassination remains raw for her loved ones. A memorial was held in her honour and as a demonstration of solidarity with whistleblowers across the country.
"All we want is the mastermind, a hitman doesn't hire himself, someone does it," said her brother Rakesh.
READ: ‘People who benefited from her death are in power’ - Cachalia on Deokaran murder
Civil society organisations demand accountability for those who paid and sent hitmen to silence her.
Cachalia says the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) are committed to finalising their investigations.
"The syndicates are being unmasked on a daily basis," says spokesperson Selby Makgatho
"And much more preservations are being pursued," he says.