The Private Prosecution Unit is now in possession of Fikile Mbalula’s Dubai holiday docket
22 May 2024
A significant step has been taken towards privately prosecuting ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula on charges of corruption related to his 2016 family holiday to Dubai. AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit collected the docket from South African Police Service (SAPS) headquarters after successfully filing a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application.
The unit is even more convinced that Mbalula has a case to answer to. After a cursory inspection of the evidence, it is abundantly clear that the decision not to prosecute Mbalula was irrational. The evidence suggests collusion between witnesses and the SAPS; a failure to obtain statements from important witnesses and possible suspects; a failure to obtain valuable records and data; and poor cooperation between the SAPS and prosecutors.
After identifying portions of the record that were not disclosed in compliance with PAIA, the Private Prosecution Unit will continue engagements to address this apparent oversight. This will allow the unit to exercise its constitutional right to access any state-held information where it is required for the exercise or protection of any right.
Barry Bateman, spokesperson for the unit, says the team will now closely study the docket. “Despite shortfalls, the evidence suggests Mbalula has several benefactors who fund his extravagant lifestyle. The question arises, why were these leads not followed up? Claims made in affidavits were accepted at face value and not scrutinised.