MBABANE: King Mswati wants to reinstate resigned Army Commander Jeffery Shabalala, this publication’s investigation unit has gathered.
It has been disclosed that after being forced to resign, Jeffery Shabalala, the former Head of Intelligence continued to be Mswati’s military advisor.
A royal insider very close to Mswati told this Swaziland News that Jeffery Shabalala enjoys close ties with the King even now and is very loyal to their Majesties.
“The King always says Shabalala is very intelligent and he is very worried about the leadership of the army without Shabalala,he wants him back,” said the royal insider.
Jeffery Shabalala was forced to resign after being exposed by this publication revealing royal secrets, however, the royal insider said there was nowhere in the recordings where Shabalala was heard betraying the King but he sounded as a person who can die protecting their Majesties.
“Following the recent developments involving me, I have decided to step and ask their Majesties to appoint another person to hold this position,” said the then Army Commander when announcing his resignation during a press conference at Nokwane Army Headquarters.
It has been disclosed that after the resignation of Shabalala, another faction linked to Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala lobbied for the appointment of one Mashikilisane Fakudze as Acting Army Commander.
A questionnaire was sent to Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo, the Spokesperson of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force(UEDF), however, she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.
Reached for comments, Wandile Dludlu,the Secretary General of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) said it was possible for Mswati to reinstate Jeffery Shabalala because he might be willing to take orders and prove his loyalty to the King unlike Mashikilisane.
“Shabalala is now vulnerable to prove his loyalty to Mswati and take orders,” said the PUDEMO Secretary General.
Resigned Army Commander Jeffery Shabalala.