By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Kareem Ashraff, the troubled SwaziPharm Director allegedly ran to King’s Private Secretary Mbongeni Simelane, he wants a royal emissary(Lincusa) amid efforts to meet Mswati for an urgent order stopping the ongoing multibillion alleged tax evasion investigation.

Ashraff is facing arrest for allegedly looting billions of public funds, resulting in the shortage of drugs in public hospitals but, the first and second attempt by the Anti Corruption Commission(ACC) in collaboration with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP) to arrest him, was stopped by his alleged friend Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala.

But apart from that, this publication reported on Saturday that, the Eswatini Revenue Service(ERS) is intensifying investigation into allegations of multibillion tax evasion involving Ashraff and some of his companies.

As a result, some of Kareem Ashraff and his companies’ bank accounts have been frozen pending investigations.

Ntobeko Dlamini, the Eswatini Revenue Service Director-Makerting and Communications told this publication that, the revenue institution cannot comment regarding the said investigation, citing strict laws protecting clients information.

“Our position, as always, is guided by our confidentiality obligations. We appreciate your understanding of our need to maintain confidentiality in these matters,”she said.

It is alleged that, Kareem Ashraff used his various corporate entities including shell companies to evade tax and further engage in money-laundering.

A shell company is a registered but, non-operating business, it primarily exists on paper to conduct financial transactions and hold assets.

King Mswati Spokesperson Percy Simelane told this Swaziland News earlier that, the Monarch “will not protect Ashraff adding that, if he committed a crime, the law must take its course”.

Simelane was clarifying allegations suggesting that, Ashraff was closer to the King and that, some State institutions investigating the businessman, were intimidated by the SwaziPharm Director using the King’s name.

But Kareem Ashraff recently held a press conference after summoning State controlled journalists, he vigorously denied any wrongdoing particularly, the stealing of billions-taxpayers money, resulting in the shortage of drugs in public hospitals.

King’s Private Secretary Mbongeni Simelane who “has been, for the past years, assisting Ashraff to meet the King, declined to comment when asked to clarify if he is able this time”to facilitate the appointment.

It is alleged that, whenever Mswati refuse to meet Ashraff, the King’s Private Secretary would sometimes forward Mswati’s traveling schedules to Ashraff, the SwaziPharm would then take a flight to the country of destination and negotiate the meeting there.