Maynier confirms an open criminal investigation into Sasol over alleged dumping into the Klipspruit River
Maynier confirmed in a parliamentary reply that alleged dumping from Sasol Secunda's Benfield plant into the Klipspruit River, which flows into the Vaal, is under criminal investigation (Daily Investor, BusinessTech, TopAuto, Daily Maverick). The case stems from claims by whistleblower Ian Erasmus. Charges filed in 2022 were provisionally withdrawn in July 2025, and the NPA executed fresh warrants in August 2026. Because the valve had been repaired by the time investigators arrived, there are no contemporaneous river samples, so the case relies on historical data, reports and witnesses. Sasol denies wrongdoing.
The Vaal River supplies water to Gauteng. Sasol is South Africa's biggest producer of liquid fuel from coal and gas, so a prosecution would affect a strategic company.
If you live along the Vaal, this is about water quality. The state has not published sampling results, so there is no public finding of harm yet.
Environmental groups say the length of the case, seven years, shows how hard it is to hold large polluters to account.
Sasol says the allegations lack a physical basis, and the absence of river samples makes proof difficult.
Watch for a prosecution decision and the next parliamentary reply. A decision to charge would be a significant test of the state's ability to prosecute a large company on a complaint that started in 2019.
DailyDrop South Africa edition No. 3 · Morning · WED., OCT. 7, 2026