UPDATE - INQUIRY JOCKEY S’MANGA KHUMALO

The Inquiry into Jockey S’manga Khumalo reconvened before an appointed Inquiry Board on 25 May 2026.

The following charges were put to Mr Khumalo:

Charge 1: Corrupt / dishonest practice - improper communication of non-public race information

Alleged contravention: Contravention of the NHA Rules relating to corrupt or dishonest practices and/or conduct detrimental to the integrity of racing (Rule(s) 72.1.1 and 72.1.19)

Particulars: The Respondent, being a licensed Jockey under NHA jurisdiction, is alleged to have on or about the period October 2025 to 27 February 2026 at or near various racecourses in the Republic of South Africa, improperly communicated to Noor Iqbal (an unlawful/unauthorised betting person and/or associate) non-public information relating to a race and/or a horse, including but not limited to intended riding tactics, stable instructions, horse fitness/soundness, and/or expected performance in circumstances where such communication is intended, reasonably likely or understood to be used for betting purposes and/or to undermine the integrity of racing.

Jockey Khumalo pleaded guilty to Charge 1.

The Inquiry Board found him guilty of Charge 1.

Charge 2: Corrupt receipt/acceptance of money or benefit (gratification) connected to race activity

Alleged contravention: Contravention of the NHA Rules relating to corrupt or dishonest practices and/or conduct bringing the sport into disrepute (Rule(s) 72.1.2 and 21.5).

Particulars: The Respondent, being a licensed Jockey under NHA jurisdiction, is alleged to have on or about the period October 2025 to 27 February 2026 at or near various racecourses in the Republic of South Africa, directly or indirectly requested, agreed to receive, and/or received from Noor Iqbal a sum of money of approximately R128 000.00 as consideration for (i) furnishing the information described in Charge 1 and/or (ii) riding, or agreeing to ride, in a manner intended to affect the performance of a horse and/or the outcome of a race for betting purposes.

Jockey Khumalo pleaded guilty to Charge 2.

The Inquiry Board found him guilty of Charge 2.

Charge 3: Conduct affecting the performance of a horse / failure to ride on the merits (race fixing)

Alleged contravention: Contravention of the NHA Rules relating to (i) corrupt or dishonest practices, (ii) conduct affecting the performance of a horse, and/or (iii) conduct prejudicial to the interests/integrity of racing (Rule 72.1.26).

Particulars: The Respondent, being a licensed Jockey under NHA jurisdiction, is alleged to have on or about the period October 2025 to 27 February 2026 at or near various racecourses in the Republic of South Africa, intentionally and dishonestly failed to ensure that the horse was ridden on its merits and/or acted so as to affect the performance of the horse and/or the result of the race for an improper purpose, (including without limitation) by: restraining the horse; failing to obtain the best possible placing; deviating from instructions without reasonable cause; and/or otherwise riding in a manner inconsistent with a bona fide attempt to achieve the best possible placing.

Jockey Khumalo pleaded not guilty to Charge 3.

The Inquiry Board found him guilty of Charge 3.

Arguments were made in respect of penalty, and the Inquiry Board reserved its judgment on sentencing, and the matter has been adjourned and will resume on 29 May 2026.

Mr Khumalo’s interim suspension remains in place pending the finalisation of the Inquiry. 

NHA release