De Ruyter confirmed the news in various publications, revealing that on December 13th, 2022, doctors detected elevated cyanide levels in his blood. According to EE Business Intelligence, De Ruyter felt unwell, weak, dizzy, confused, shaking uncontrollably, and vomiting violently before drinking coffee in his office at his Eskom Megawatt Park in Sunning Hill.
After that, he [De Ruyter] collapsed and could not walk. He was taken by security to a clinic where he was diagnosed with cyanide poisoning and treated accordingly. Subsequent tests showed that the cyanide levels in his body were significantly elevated. South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that on January 5th the case would be investigated,” he [De Ruyter] told EE Business Intelligence.
De Ruyter, who served as CEO of an energy company for three years, is stepping down amid the worst energy crisis the country has ever faced, with blackouts lasting 8 to 10 hours each day, and is seeking resigned from the position.
Karen Pillay, head of security at Eskom, said: “Under CAS 82/1/2023, a criminal complaint has been filed with the Hermanus Police Department.”
