Mystery surrounds Markus Jooste's 'death'. Show us the grave!

The mystery surrounding the alleged death of former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste has given rise to conspiracy theories, reflecting a growing lack of trust in law enforcement, according to a respected political analyst.

As the dust settles on a R6.3 billion agreement between the South African Reserve Bank and Ibex Holdings, the former Steinhoff empire, a far more unsettling question refuses to go away. No one can say where Jooste was buried.

While a statement by the SARB confirmed that both parties reached a settlement allowing Ibex to wind down operations, repay creditors, and conclude all related legal proceedings, the nation is still asking, ''Where is the proof that Jooste is truly dead?''

After the full extent of the Steinhoff scandal came to light, Jooste was fined last March R475 million by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) for accounting fraud. He allegedly took his own life shortly after being informed that an arrest warrant had been issued against him, a death that has since been shrouded in mystery.

This ongoing uncertainty has led to growing concerns about the lack of transparency from the authorities and those around Jooste.

Political analyst Kenneth Mokgatlhe also raised doubts about Markus Jooste’s reported death, saying the details remain unclear and unconvincing.

“Markus Jooste's death remains a mystery, details are very sketchy, and to be honest, I am not absolutely convinced that he died,” Mokgatlhe said.

Adding that conspiracy theories reflect a growing lack of trust in the police,  Mokgatlhe said: “The public's engagement with these theories signals a deep loss of confidence in the agencies meant to bring closure to such high-profile cases.

''The police's silence is concerning, and when you consider it alongside the serious allegations made by Commissioner Mkhwanazi, it highlights the glaring weaknesses within SAPS.”

Mokgatlhe warned that this situation could have serious political consequences. “It adds to the ongoing challenges facing the police service and further erodes public faith in the system.”

He further stated that the state must confront growing public mistrust by thoroughly investigating Jooste’s alleged death and presenting clear evidence to confirm it.

“The government must provide concrete proof to put this matter to rest. Right now, it creates the impression that Jooste is being shielded by powerful political interests,” he said.

Mokgatlhe also criticised the perceived racial disparity in how corruption cases are handled in South Africa, arguing that white individuals often escape accountability.

“For instance, look at how Maria Ramos was left unpunished after acknowledging that she manipulated our currency. Nothing happened to her. Look at what happened to Adv. Mkhwebane, when she went after the likes of Absa, she was victimised,” he added.

As previously reported by IOL, Western Cape police dismissed the allegations as unfounded, stating that a post-mortem had been conducted and the report filed in the docket for court proceedings.

“The investigation into the death of the late Mr Jooste had been concluded, and the docket was submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority to be placed on the court roll where a formal inquest will be conducted. 

"The firearm used during the incident was subjected to ballistic tests. Thereafter, returned to the executor as the weapon was registered in the name of the deceased. A report of the ballistic test is filed in the docket for court purposes.

The result of both reports will only be disclosed during the formal inquest hearing in court. The date is yet to be determined,” read the statement.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround Jooste’s reported death, with little clarity offered by officials. The lack of open communication has intensified public doubt, reinforcing the need for accountability and clear answers to maintain confidence in the justice system.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za