De Ruyter ‘poisoning’ underscores ongoing criminality at Eskom, says expert
An energy expert
says the alleged attempt on the life of Eskom's outgoing CEO André de Ruyter
underscores an ongoing crisis of criminality at the power giant.
"It is well-known that the de Ruyter and his executive team have been clamping down on a whole lot of criminal activities, procurement irregularities, fraud, corruption and maladministration within Eskom and the very significant illegal, illicit revenue streams to these criminals,” says Chris Yellend.
“They were in the process of closing these syndicates down."
Reports emerged over the weekend that De Ruyter - who's leaving Eskom in March - had allegedly been poisoned with cyanide.
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He's said to have become weak and dizzy after drinking a cup of coffee - suspected to have been laced with the toxin - in his office at Megawatt Park in December.
The utility's head of security says a case of attempted murder is being investigated by Midrand police.
"The information that I recieved from a trusted sorted and I must stress, external to Eskom, De Ruyter suddenly fell ill, he was dizzy, disorientated, had a headache, vomiting, ultimately, he collapsed. He's security detail took him to his doctor who diagnosed him with cyanide poisoning,” explains Yellend.
Yelland believes that following a series of criminal events at Eskom and load shedding - finding a replacement for de Ruyter won't be an easy task.
"That points to a high risk situation, developing at Eskom and I don't believe that a credible CEO will be found by the end of March which is the day that De Ruyter and (COO Jan) Oberholzer will be leaving office."
