National Prosecuting Authority Faces Obstacles in Challenging Gupta-Linked R25 Million Nulane Fraud Acquittal as Supreme Court of Appeal Postpones Decision

Bloemfontein – The Supreme Court of Appeals (SCA) has reserved its judgment in the R24.9 million Nulane fraud case, where the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) seeks to overturn the acquittal of the defendants.

Following a ruling from the Bloemfontein High Court that acquitted all the accused, who were arrested for violations of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, the State sought leave to appeal to the SCA, which was granted.

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This case revolves around payments made by the Free State government to Nulane for a feasibility study linked to the controversial and ultimately unsuccessful Gupta-associated Vrede Dairy farm project.

The NPA is appealing the high court’s decision, which resulted in the eight defendants from the first State Capture trial being acquitted.

“The state holds that the high court judge made errors on legal questions in several respects,” stated Henry Mamothame, spokesperson for the NPA’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), on Friday, (7 March 2025).

The individuals charged faced allegations of fraud, money laundering, and violations of the Public Finance Management Act.

The accusations stem from a contract worth approximately R24.9 million, awarded to Nulane Investments for conducting a feasibility study on a project sanctioned by the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

“The state believed that the trial judge made significant errors,” Mamothame remarked.

“Today, the SCA bench affirmed their belief regarding the handling of crucial legal issues and the inquiries made.”

The IDAC spokesperson emphasized the State’s commitment to ensuring justice is achieved and expressed hope that this appeal will demonstrate to the nation that state capture and corruption will not go unpunished.

“We await the court’s judgment,” concluded Mamothame.