By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Prince Sicalo Nkopolo Dlamini, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Defense and Security is allegedly lobbying Members of Parliament(MPs) to approve about R100million to buy guns and spying equipment.

An independent investigation by this Swaziland News uncovered State documents suggesting that the Ministry of Defense requested R31,443,317.00 under the supplementary budget 2021/22 from the Ministry of Finance for “procurement of special equipment and additional user licenses”.

Insiders within the Ministry of Finance told this publication that the money was actually meant to pay an Israel company contracted by government to spy on pro-democracy activists and independent journalists.

“As you can see in the documents, that money is requested by bo-Sicalo, they want to pay an Israel company contracted to provide spying equipment and monitor those who are against the State”, said the insider within the Ministry.

Information in our possession suggests that on Monday(07 February 2022) at or near the Happy Valley Hotel, Ezulwini at around 11am, Prince Sicalo, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Defense allegedly met with Acting Army Commander Mashikilisane Fakudze, National Defense Officer Prince Sihlangusemphi, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee in the Ministry of Defense Prince Kusa, Motshane MP Robert Magongo, Manzini North MP Macford Sibandze and Manzini South MP Thandi Nxumalo.

The purpose of the meeting was to lobby the MPs to approve the R31million budget meant to buy the spying equipment and an additional R50million for buying guns to be used in the ongoing shooting and killing of civilians.

Reached for comments, Prince Kusa denied that he was part of the meeting at the Happy Valley.

“I was not part of that meeting”, he said briefly.

But Manzini North MP Macford Sibandze did not deny nor confirm to be part of the meeting, instead he asked this journalist to call him later saying he was sick.

“I am aware of the meeting you are talking about, is it possible for you to call me later, I’m sick”, said the Manzini North MP.

When this publication reached Prince Sicalo for a comment, his phone was answered by his PA who promised that the Prince would call back. 

“He is currently busy with his friends, I will tell him that you called”, said the man who answered the phone.

A questionnaire was then sent to the Prince, however, he had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

Another questionnaire was then sent to Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo, the Spokesperson of the Army who denied any knowledge of meeting.

“ Your questionnaire is highly appreciated.

The Office of the UEDF Public Affairs is not aware of the alleged meeting in question. Thank you”, said the Army Spokesperson.

Reached for comments,Mandla Hlatshwayo, the Chairperson of Letfu Sonkhe Institute for Strategic Thinking and Development said it was clear that the King wanted to rule the country through the barrel of a gun.

“It is clear that these people are not looking for solutions, they want to fight the people and rule the country through the barrel of a gun. Now as the information emerge suggesting that they are preparing to buy spying equipment and monitor us, it means SADC must understand that the King is not prepared for a dialogue.Vele lena ayisayiyo yekuncengwa sekumele sikhwice singeMaswati. Tsine-ke siyifuna ngekuthula ngoba site letikhali bona banato.(meaning:) We must stop massaging this regime and intensify the pressure. However, we are still hoping for a peaceful engagement to democratize the country because they have guns and we don’t have guns”, said the Letfu Sonkhe Chairperson.

Eswatini is in the midst of a political crisis after King Mswati unleashed soldiers and the police to shoot and kill dozens of civilians merely for demanding democratic reforms.