Former Naspers financial director beaten to death
A former financial director of Naspers was allegedly beaten to death in his house in Higgovale, Cape Town, on Friday afternoon during a suspected robbery.
It appears that Eric Wiese, 81, was surprised by a robber who tied him up before beating him to death, Wiese’s eldest son Andri told Netwerk24.
Andri said his mother was shopping and arrived home to find her husband dead.
“She is struggling to process it, but she is okay for now.”
Western Cape police said Wiese was stabbed to death, but Andri Wiese said this wasn’t true.
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said several items were missing from Wiese’s property when police arrived. A case of murder and house robbery has been opened.
No arrest has been made.
For 27 years, Wiese lived with his wife, Sannie – the writer of the book Engele by ons (Angels with us) – in Cape Town, and was involved at Naspers for 40 years. He also served on the boards of M-Net, MIH and M-Cell until he retired in 1998.
Naspers chairperson Koos Bekker on Friday praised Wiese for his “wonderful temperament”.
[He was] positive and optimistic. It was a privilege to work next to Eric in a team.”
Media24 chief executive officer Esmaré Weideman said she is shocked to learn about Wiese’s death.
“Eric was one of the biggest Naspers figures which us young ones looked up to. He was an absolute gentleman. At yearly functions, he was always highly interested in how Media24 was doing. We will remember his friendly interest.”
* Wiese was previously the main manager of the newspaper Beeld and was promoted to senior chief manager of Nasionale Media in 1989.
In 1993, he was transferred from Johannesburg to Cape Town and became the senior financial director of Naspers.
In 1998, upon retiring as financial director of Naspers, he was awarded the Phil Weber award, the company’s highest award.
Read: Naspers earnings soar as revenue climbs to $14.6 billion
Loading ...