Pravin Gordhan confirms Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter DID speak to him about corruption

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan confirmed on Monday that former Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter spoke to him about alleged corruption practices by a senior government official at the ailing power utility, but he never offered any evidence.

PRAVIN GORDHAN CONFIRMED IT ON MONDAY

He was speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Monday following De Ruyter’s explosive interview last week. 

Gordhan said he had discussions with De Ruyter regarding corruption and the involvement of various people, but no names were mentioned.

ALSO READ: JUST IN: Criminal charges opened against De Ruyter, Gordhan and Ramaphosa

“Yes, he has made allusions about certain individuals, but it was precisely that, allusions … As far as the law is concerned, I can’t just arbitrarily point to someone and say that person is involved in whatever the suggestion is about being corrupt or being involved in corruption.

“We cannot rely on rumour, suspicion, or what even certain publications call intelligence. There’s a distinction between that and evidence.” 

Pravin Gordhan

‘IF DE RUYTER HAS THE EVIDENCE, HE MUST DO WHAT IS LEGALLY REQUIRED OF HIM’

He furthermore said if De Ruyter has the evidence, he must take the initiative and do what is legally required of him. 

ALSO READ: Dark forces at work: Crime cartels and ‘murder squad’ bleeding Eskom dry named – report

Gordhan also added that as a minister, he couldn’t be expected to act on rumours and point fingers at people.

“I don’t have the evidence, I have a suggestion … there is a legal process in South Africa, follow the legal process.”

HE ALSO SAID THAT AS A MINISTER, HE COULD BE EXPECTED TO ACT ON RUMOURS

Gordhan has also expressed his “disappointment” at De Ruyter’s conduct, saying he was blindsided by the man who he trusted and supported for three years.

ALSO READ: ANC threatens to sue De Ruyter if he has not laid criminal charges in next week

Meanwhile, also on Monday, Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane opened a criminal case legally compelling Andre De Ruyter and Pravin Gordhan to divulge any and all on Eskom looting.

Mmusi Maimane said he had opened a criminal case legally compelling Andre De Ruyter and Pravin Gordhan to divulge any and all on Eskom looting.

MAIMANE LAID CHARGES AGAINST DE RUYTER, GORDHAN, AND RAMAPHOSA

“I have laid charges against the following individuals;

1. Andre De Ruyter
2. Pravin Gordhan
3. Cyril Ramaphosa.”

He furthermore said what South Africans want to see is swift action in investigating, prosecuting, and imprisoning these looters.

ALSO READ: Eskom CEO André de Ruyter POISONED the day after his resignation