By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:The Gaming Board under the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs renewed MulaSport Betting’s license a few days after the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs received a letter from the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) confirming an investigation into allegations of R300million money-laundering against the betting company. 

It has been disclosed that, members of the Gaming Board took a trip to Nelpruit-South Africa about three (3) weeks ago and met MulaSport Director Khaya Magagula, they subsequently came back and renewed the license.

“When asked why they met the MulaSport Director in Nelpruit, they claimed it was a coincidence,” said an insider within the Ministry of Tourism.

But as reported by this publication earlier this week, Maphevu Mkhatjwa, the Acting Commissioner of the Anti Corruption Commission wrote to Khangeziwe Mabuza, the then Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, informing her about the investigation, betting companies in the country are licensed by the Gaming Board and monitored by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

“The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) is conducting an investigation pertaining the allegations of corruption connected to MulaSport Betting. In terms of Section 11 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 3 of 2006 (POCA), you are kindly requested to assist and provide us with the Management accounts of MulaSport Betting (Pty) Ltd as per your terms and conditions, company accounts 4.3. for the period year 2024,” reads the letter in part from the Acting ACC Commissioner to the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

Jabu Phakathi, the Anti Corruption Commission Spokesperson declined to comment about the MulaSport Betting investigation.

It has been disclosed that, the investigation was allegedly triggered by the over R300million transaction flagged by the banks, the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) subsequently wrote to the ACC and the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Unit (EFIU).

Responding to this Swaziland News, Khaya Magagula, the MulaSport Betting said, he was not aware of the investigation by the Anti Corruption Commission against him and his betting company.

“I am not aware of the investigation,” he said.

Khangeziwe Mabuza, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs told this publication that, “she has been seconded as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sincemphetelo Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (SMVAF)” and therefore, cannot speak about issues involving the Ministry of Tourism.

“I have been seconded to work as the CEO at the SMVAF and therefore, cannot speak about the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs,” said the PS now SMVAF Chief Executive Officer.

On another note, the documents further suggest that, seconded ACC investigator Clement Sihlongonyane and corruption detective Henson Mavimbela are leading the investigation team probing MulaSport Betting.