AfriForum slams NPA for ‘failing’ to prosecute Mbalula

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit claims the decision not to prosecute ANC’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, reflects prosecutorial incompetence.

The head of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, Advocate Gerrie Nel, blames the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Shamila Batohi.

The unit asserted that there is sufficient evidence to charge Mbalula for corruption and money laundering.

According to the unit, the case they are reviewing relates to the R680,000 holiday to Dubai in 2016, which was paid for by the director of Sedgars Sport, Yusuf Dockrat.

During Mbalula’s tenure as the minister of sport, Sedgars was a supplier to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

The unit stated that both Mbalula and Dockrat denied any wrongdoing, claiming the R300,000 used to settle Mbalula’s travel agency debt was a “loan.”

They claimed SAPS failed to identify the source of the remaining R380,000, which was allegedly paid in cash.

“Evidence in the case indicates that the cash was handled by a senior sports federation official, and that funds were transferred to Mbalula by a businessman who is the spouse of a Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions,” the unit stated.

Nel and Batemen on NPA’s ruling

Nel stated the submissions are detailed and highlight the NPA’s apparent misunderstanding of the key elements of corruption.

He concluded that the findings indicated either selective prosecution by the NPA or investigative incompetence on the part of SAPS.

“The aspects of the case that were not investigated are glaring, and any diligent and competent investigator or prosecutor cannot ignore their significance,” said Nel.

The AfriForum unit’s spokesperson, Barry Bateman, said Mbalula began paying back the “loan” after the media started reporting about the funding of the trip.

Batemen noted the case file contains evidence that the head of Boxing South Africa, Tsholofelo Lejaka, delivered R150,000 in cash to the travel agency to settle the “loan.”

The spokesperson further highlighted that Lejaka instructed his office secretaries to make cash deposits of R75,000 each.

Mbalula responding to AfriForum’s claims

However, Mbalula criticised AfriForum’s claims, reiterating that there was unlawful conduct on his part.

He said NPA made its decision after proper investigations.

“The South African Police Service conducted an investigation, and the case file was closed. Even the Public Protector found no conflict of interest – only the appearance of one – and merely recommended that the NPA investigate a limited aspect, which was duly done,” Mbalula stated.

He branded AfriForum’s claims as misleading, adding that they are displaying acts of malicious intent and a vengeful agenda.

VERKLARING DEUR KAMERAAD FIKILE MBALULA Oor AfriForum se Aansprake pic.twitter.com/mFRhCINpK7

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) October 6, 2025

“What is also unacceptable is an endless political campaign pretending to be legal activism. AfriForum must be reminded that the abuse of the law for propaganda purposes undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions,” Mbalula added.

Mbalula said, while refraining from making further comments, he has instructed his lawyers to ensure his right are protected.