Dubai family trip comes back to haunt Mbalula

Lobby group, AfriForum, says it now has its hands on the case docket of ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s controversial 2016 Dubai holiday trip with his family.

AfriForum is gunning for the ANC’s top official alleging that he has a case to answer.

It is alleged that Sedgars Sports unlawfully funded the Mbalula family trip to Dubai when he was still the Sport, Arts and Culture Minister.

Last year, the NPA took a decision not to prosecute Mbalula due to a lack of evidence of criminal activity regarding a payment.

This after the Public Protector had ordered the prosecuting authority to probe whether the trip was proceeds of money laundering.

AfriForum maintains that Mbalula has been protected by the police and the NPA.

“After a cursory inspection of the evidence, it is abundantly clear that the decision not to prosecute Mbalula was irrational.”

AfriForum’s Barry Bateman says 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.”

Bateman alleges that several other benefactors fund Mbalula’s lavish lifestyle.

“Notably, a statement from one of Mbalula’s main benefactors was not included in the docket. We are shocked, but not surprised, because we warned the NPA of a clear conflict of interest because of the family relations with a senior NPA official.”

This comes hot on the heels of Zizi Kodwa’s corruption saga.

Yesterday, Kodwa was charged with corruption in a bribery scandal worth R1.7 million, claims he’s downplayed as “friendly gestures” and not bribes.

The former minister has since resigned from cabinet and as a member of the ANC NEC and NWC.

He has described the move, which is in line with the party’s step-aside rule, as means to protect the name and reputation of the organisation.

In a letter penned to the embattled Mbalula, Kodwa says he remains a committed member of the ANC.

This comes as the ANC tries to get its house in order and chart a way forward in the formation of the significant 7th administration after failing to secure a 51% of the votes in the recent general elections – for the first time since the dawn of democracy.