By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Jeremy Liang,the Taiwan Ambassador is allegedly influencing State law enforcement institutions and assisting SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff to evade arrest in the widely reported multibillion drugs shortage scandal.

An independent investigation conducted by this Swaziland News uncovered that, the syndicate assisting Ashraff to evade arrest is not only operating with the corridors of the country’s comprised criminal justice system but, the Taiwan Ambassador is indirectly backing Ashraff through some Cabinet Ministers.

Secret State information obtained by this publication suggests that, through a Cabinet Minister, the Taiwan Ambassador who has been interfering in eSwatini’s domestic affairs, attempted to influence the Anti Corruption Commission to de-escalate the attempt to arrest Kareem Ashraff.

But Ashraff and the Taiwan Ambassador has been enjoying close relations for sometime now, it was previously reported that, they also colluded in manipulating the R5.2billion Strategic Oil Reserve tender that was subsequently awarded to a Taiwan company in complete disregard of the country’s tendering and/or procurement laws.

The Taiwan Ambassador declined to comment and urged this journalist to contact the eSwatini Government on eSwatini issues.

SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff, an alleged close friend to the Taiwan Ambassador, stands accused of looting billions of public funds resulting in the shortage of drugs of public hospitals.

The Anti Corruption Commission(ACC) filed a warrant of arrest application but Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala who is also alleged to be part of the syndicate, dismissed the application and the matter is now before the Supreme Court.

Swazipharm Director Kareem Ashraff’s close proximity to the Taiwan Ambassador was strengthened by his other questionable “Indonesian Consular” diplomatic position, he avoided questions when this publication attempted to reach him for a comment.

Responding to this Swaziland News, Wandile Dludlu, the Deputy President of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) said, the alleged interference in the already compromised Judiciary particularly by diplomats will not go unpunished.

“The manipulation of the already compromised Tinkhundla Judiciary particularly by diplomats is not only noted but one day going to be punished by a new and democratic Government, we promise,” said the PUDEMO Deputy President.