Criminal investigation into Sasol in South Africa
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, David Maynier, provided details about a criminal investigation into petroleum giant Sasol.
He shared this information in response to a Parliamentary question from National Assembly member Noluthando Makasi.
The issue dates back to 2019, when former Sasol senior process manager and whistleblower Ian Erasmus came forward.
Sasol allegedly dumped hazardous chemical waste, including vanadium, potassium carbonate, diethanolamine, and heavy metals, into the Klipspruit River catchment.
Erasmus alleged that off-spec chemical solutions and washwaters containing elevated vanadium levels were diverted into stormwater systems between 2012 and 2019.
This, he said, was done instead of the off-spec chemical solutions and washwaters being safely contained and treated.
Following Erasmus’s initial disclosure in 2019, the complaint faced multi-year administrative and regulatory delays.
This happened across the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and environmental inspectorates.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and its specialised environmental investigators launched criminal investigations into Sasol’s Secunda operations.
Investigators executed warrants at Secunda, probing the chemical sewer network, shut-off valves, bypass channels, and routes leading to API wastewater containment tanks.
Investigators are examining whether hazardous substances have entered public watercourses, such as the Klipspruit River.
They are also looking into whether Sasol officials provided false or misleading information to environmental inspectors or parliament during past compliance checks.
Sasol has consistently denied illegal dumping, saying its clean-water circuit is physically segregated from its contaminated wastewater circuit.
It added that it operates within its Water Use Licenses and has submitted compliance documentation to environmental authorities.
David Maynier responds to the Parliamentary question
Noluthando Makasi asked Minister David Maynier about the alleged illegal discharge of hazardous chemicals from Sasol’s Benfield operations into the Klipspruit River.
She requested details about the scientific methods that her department has used to establish the facts surrounding the alleged contamination.
She also wanted information on the measures implemented to prevent industrial pollution from compromising water security and public health.
Maynier responded, saying that the issue forms part of an ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
“The release of information prior to a final decision regarding the continued prosecution of Sasol Secunda would be premature,” he said.
“The information could also potentially prejudice the investigation and any subsequent criminal proceedings.”
He added that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment must act in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act.
It must also abide by all applicable legal requirements governing criminal investigations and proceedings.
“Accordingly, the DFFE must respect and uphold the integrity of the criminal investigation and prosecutorial processes,” he said.
“This includes compliance with legal requirements and procedures regulating the disclosure or release of information in an ongoing criminal investigation.”
Working with the Department of Water and Sanitation
Maynier explained that the regulation and protection of water resources primarily fall within the mandate of the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment may, where requested, provide support to the Department of Water and Sanitation.
This, he explained, is usually through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s specialised investigative capacity.
He said that the Sasol matter was brought to the attention of his department through a South African Human Rights Commission inquiry.
Environmental Management Inspectors from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment were then assigned to assist with the investigation.
These inspectors examined the allegations of pollution emanating from the Secunda site and its impact on the Vaal River System.
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Another attempt to discredit one of the few standing businesses in SA contributing to the economy. It is amazing that every minister and parliment member somewhere along the line tries to make a name for themselves by targeting the only contributors to the economy and majorly to the tax base of the country.
Maby he just wants the share price to drop and then buy a substantial number of shares and sell them for personal gain once the share price bounces back once it is proved that Sasol was not negligent in the poluting of the Klipspruit river.
Why is the solution of the KLIP river running from Alberton into the Vaal river not addressed. This has been noted for a number of years to be carrying effluent from non-working sewage plants and informal settlements south of Alberton into the Vaal river. Why is the government and the local municipalities not criminally charged for this? Because they protect each other!!!!