Amnesty International South Africa calls for more whistleblower protection
Athol Williams, the man who blew the whistle on those allegedly involved in state capture, has fled South Africa in fear of his life.
Williams testified at the commission of inquiry into state capture. He issued a statement on Sunday confirming he left the country on November 1 after receiving threats to his life.
His departure follows the murder of Babita Deokaran, who blew the whistle on the corruption involving personal protective equipment at the Gauteng Department of Health.
Doekaran was shot execution-style outside her home.
This has prompted Amnesty International to call on government to offer whistle-blowers state protection.
"It is concerning that whistleblowers in South Africa are not protected and are either forced into hiding, killed, or find themselves having to leave the country," says Amnesty International South Africa executive director Shenilla Mohamed.
“It is unacceptable that whistleblowers, who are risking their lives in order to protect the people of South Africa and combat corruption, are treated with such disdain.
“We have already seen how brave people like Babita Deokaran were murdered for doing the right thing because they were not properly protected. The state is obliged to provide whistleblowers with protection.”
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