AfriForum, led by private prosecutor Gerrie Nel, has criticized the National Prosecuting Authority for irrationally refusing to prosecute former Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula over a 2016 family trip to Dubai. The trip was mostly funded by Sedgars Sports, a government service provider. This affects Mbalula’s reputation, the NPA’s credibility, and public interest in corruption cases. AfriForum’s statement on 25 March 2026 challenges the NPA’s view of the law.
In 2016, Mbalula took his family on vacation to the United Arab Emirates.
The trip cost R680,000.
Sedgars Sports covered most of the expense. At the time, the company provided services to the government.
The NPA reviewed the case. It decided not to prosecute. Officials said there was not enough evidence, according to AfriForum’s statement.
In 2018, the Public Protector investigated. The finding was a conflict of interest. It also violated the Executive Members’ Ethics Code.
AfriForum now has the case docket. This gives them key documents.
Gerrie Nel, AfriForum’s Head of Private Prosecution, spoke to the media on 25 March 2026. He said:
“We are approaching the NPA; we are saying to the NPA that your decision to not prosecute because [we] now have the case docket is irrational and it’s not in terms of the law. It’s a deliberate misunderstanding of the definition of corruption.”
Nel claims the NPA ignored proper legal standards.
This dispute raises questions about corruption accountability. It could affect trust in NPA choices. Mbalula’s political role might face more scrutiny.
AfriForum calls the NPA decision irrational. But the NPA has not yet responded to the claim.
AfriForum plans to approach the NPA directly. They aim to push for prosecution based on the docket.
No further NPA action is confirmed yet. The case status remains open. Readers can follow AfriForum or NPA updates for changes.
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