By Ntombi Mhlongo
The African National Congress (ANC) has said that it is consulting with its legal team following statements made by former Eskom CEO, Andre De Ruyter.
Last week, De Ruyter made allegations of wrongdoing and criminality against the organisation. In a statement, the ANC said it was firmly committed, through promoting and supporting policy, legislation, and action, to deal with any acts of corruption – or other forms of criminality – and to hold any perpetrators to account.
The party said corruption and criminality are implacable enemies of development and is committed to building a better life for all.
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“Accordingly, we reiterate our call to Mr De Ruyter to lay criminal charges, with verifiable details about his serious allegations, to allow law enforcement agencies to investigate, and where appropriate, to prosecute those who have a case to answer, including any ANC members or public representatives who have violated both the laws of the Republic as well as the prescripts of the ANC Constitution and their oath of membership”, the party said.
It made reference to the provisions of Section 34 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act 12 of 2004) which makes it illegal for any person in a position of authority not to report an act or information of corruption or criminality.
It said to date, the ANC is not aware of any action taken by De Ruyter in this respect and urged him to fulfil his constitutional and legal obligations to officially report to the police any act of criminality and/or illegality he is aware of within the next seven days.
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“The ANC once again advises Mr De Ruyter that by law, it is obligatory for any person who holds a position of authority and who knows or ought reasonably to have known or suspected that any other person has committed an offence (of corruption), theft, fraud, extortion, forgery or uttering of a forged document involving an amount of R100 000,00 or more, must report such knowledge or suspicion or cause such knowledge or suspicion to be reported to any police official”.
It said failure by De Ruyter to bring such information forward and report it in line with his obligations will result in the ANC laying Section 34 charges against him.
