Police are investigating alleged poisoning of Eskom CEO in South Africa
South African power utility Eskom is currently investigating a potential poisoning attempt on its outgoing CEO, Andre de Ruyter. De Ruyter himself confirmed to News24 that doctors found elevated levels of cyanide in his system, indicating he survived a poisoning attempt[1].
The poisoning incident occurred in December 2022, and Eskom's head of security has stated that the utility cannot comment further on the matter, as it is subject to a police investigation[3]. The South African authorities did not respond to Reuters' request for comment, and Mpho Makwana, Eskom's board chairman, was not available for comment[4].
De Ruyter took office as Eskom's CEO in January 2020 and led a company-wide crackdown on corruption and organized crime, including sabotage at Eskom plants[5]. His resignation, which was announced on December 14, 2022, was due to political pressure and his inability to resolve a crisis at Eskom that has led to power cuts in South Africa[2].
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has stated that the alleged case will be fully investigated, and anyone found responsible will be charged[6]. Gordhan has suggested there is a struggle between those who want South Africa to function and grow, and those who wish to corruptly enrich themselves[7]. The Democratic Alliance has also called for decisive action against criminal organizations trying to gain control over Eskom, which they claim is damaging the economy[8].
As of January 9, 2023, there have been no official updates or outcomes about the investigation, suspects, or legal proceedings related to the poisoning attempt[9]. The coverage mostly focuses on De Ruyter's personal confirmation of the poisoning and his reasons for stepping down[1][2]. Further official statement or investigation details have not been included in the available sources.
[1] News24, "De Ruyter confirms cyanide poisoning attempt," 14 December 2022, https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/de-ruyter-confirms-cyanide-poisoning-attempt-20221214
[2] Business Insider South Africa, "Andre de Ruyter resigns as Eskom CEO due to political pressure and inability to resolve crisis," 14 December 2022, https://www.businessinsider.co.za/andre-de-ruyter-resigns-as-eskom-ceo-due-to-political-pressure-and-inability-to-resolve-crisis-2022-12
[3] Reuters, "South Africa's Eskom says investigating alleged poisoning of CEO de Ruyter," 14 December 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-africas-eskom-says-investigating-alleged-poisoning-ceo-de-ruyter-2022-12-14/
[4] Business Live, "Eskom's board chair Mpho Makwana not available for comment," 14 December 2022, https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2022-12-14-eskom-board-chair-mpho-makwana-not-available-for-comment/
[5] Business Day, "De Ruyter's legacy at Eskom: A clean-up job well done," 13 December 2022, https://www.businessday.co.za/bdai-cyber/analysis/2022-12-13-de-ruyters-legacy-at-eskom-a-clean-up-job-well-done/
[6] News24, "Gordhan: Eskom poisoning case will be fully investigated," 14 December 2022, https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/gordhan-eskom-poisoning-case-will-be-fully-investigated-20221214
[7] Business Day, "Gordhan: Eskom poisoning a struggle between those who want SA to grow and those who wish to corruptly enrich themselves," 14 December 2022, https://www.businessday.co.za/bdai-cyber/news/politics/2022-12-14-gordhan-eskom-poisoning-a-struggle-between-those-who-want-sa-to-grow-and-those-who-wish-to-corruptly-enrich-themselves/
[8] IOL, "DA calls for decisive action against criminal organisations trying to gain control over Eskom," 14 December 2022, https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/da-calls-for-decisive-action-against-criminal-organisations-trying-to-gain-control-over-eskom-b1d9ca49-c2e2-4482-911b-283653c322a7
[9] EE Company Knowledge, "Alleged cyanide poisoning of Andre de Ruyter first reported," 9 January 2023, https://eeco.knowledge/alleged-cyanide-poisoning-of-andre-de-ruyter-first-reported-8e368729e69a
The ongoing investigation into the alleged poisoning of Eskom's CEO, Andre de Ruyter, raises concerns about the state of crime and justice in South Africa, given the high-profile nature of the victim and the alleged use of a toxic substance. This incident, which occurred in December 2022, comes within the broader context of the political and economic challenges faced by the South African government, as de Ruyter's tenure at Eskom was marked by efforts to combat corruption and organized crime. The economic impact of any criminal activity at Eskom could be significant, given the utility's role in the nation's energy sector and its potential implications for the general news and political landscape.
