AfriForum Advances Towards Private Prosecution of Fikile Mbalula on Corruption Charges

Lobby group AfriForum has taken a significant step towards privately prosecuting the Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), Fikile Mbalula, on corruption charges stemming from his time as Sports Minister.

The recent development follows AfriForum’s acquisition of the case docket related to Mbalula’s family holiday to Dubai in 2016, a trip that has been under scrutiny for alleged financial impropriety.

In the previous year, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute Mbalula citing insufficient evidence to support claims of criminal activities connected to the funding of the Dubai trip.

AfriForum’s Spokesperson, Barry Bateman, highlighted the discrepancy in the treatment of Mbalula’s case compared to similar situations. He pointed out that while Mbalula claimed the funds received from Sedgars, a former technical supplier to SASCOC, were a loan, such transactions could be considered forms of gratification.

Bateman drew a parallel to the ongoing case involving Zizi Kodwa, where Kodwa asserts that a similar payment was a loan, yet the state is actively pursuing the matter. This selective approach to prosecution raises questions about the consistency and fairness of the legal process.