Former Steinhoff chief executive Markus Jooste has tragically died. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has learned that Jooste reportedly took his own life.
Western Cape police say they have opened an inquest docket following the death of a 63-year-old man earlier today.
Police spokesperson Malcolm Potje says they attended a shooting incident in Hermanus.
“We can confirm that Hermanus SAPS opened an Inquest docket for further investigation following the death of a 63-year-old man earlier today. Police were activated to attend to a shooting incident at about 14:40 at Kwaaiwater Beach in Hermanus. The deceased succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound to the head shortly after arrival at a private hospital. The investigation is ongoing.”
The news comes amid ongoing scrutiny and legal battles surrounding Jooste and the collapse of Steinhoff International Holdings NV, once one of the world’s largest retailers.
This week, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) imposed an administrative penalty totalling R475 million on the former CEO of Steinhoff.
Following an investigation, Jooste, together with Dirk Schreiber, was found to have made false and misleading statements in relation to Steinhoff International Holdings Limited and Steinhoff International Holdings NV.
The FSCA gave Jooste almost a month to settle the fine.
