By Mduduzi Hlophe

MPUMALANGA: Prince Sicalo Nkopolo Dlamini, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Defense has filed an urgent application in the High Court of Mpumalanga demanding five hundred thousand Rand (R500,000.00) from this Swaziland News and its editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.

This comes after the editor published a story that exposed how the Defense PS travelled to South Africa to meet other State security agents with an alleged intention to smuggle guns to shoot and kill civilians in the midst of the political unrest.

In his affidavit filed in court, Prince Sicalo alleged that on 22 November 2021, he travelled to South Africa to attend a number of meetings, however, he said he was advised that it was not necessary to disclose the details of the meetings he attended.

“On 22 November 2021 I travelled to South Africa to attend a number of meetings I have been advised that it is not necessary to disclose the details of the meetings I attended in this application. However, I categorically deny that such meetings had anything to do with smuggling weapons of war or to buy guns. I travelled to South Africa with my allocated Security officers and a number of aides as it is a norm whenever I travel. Shortly after crossing the Oshoek Border upon entering South Africa,  Dlamini telephonically contacted one of my aides whom I was traveling with. He alleged that I had entered into South Africa to smuggle guns. Dlamini there and then demanded to speak to me. I couldn't speak to him as I was on another call at the time. I undertook to return his call later upon arrival at my final destination. However, I could not do so since by the time I arrived it was already late in the evening at approximately 21H00pm”, reads in part, the affidavit by the Prince.

The Defense PS, a first born son to King Mswati wants the court to further interdict the editor and this publication from publishing what he described as private information about him including his passport numbers saying that undermines his security.

Editor Zweli Martin Dlamini is expected to file opposing papers to the court application filed by the King’s son.