By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Highly classified information in our possession exposes how some Clinic Group doctors resigned after an order allegedly issued by King Mswati to kill pro-democracy patients.

The alleged order from the absolute Monarch facing growing political pressure to democratize is said to be targeting even members of the royal family and Parliamentarians who are critical of the current system of governance.

An independent investigation conducted by this Swaziland News uncovered classified information suggesting that Dr E. Phiri who was based at Manzini Clinic was among the doctors who allegedly refused to implement the order to kill pro-democracy patients, he subsequently resigned.

In the early stages of this investigation, with intent to gather corroborative evidence, this journalist made a call to the Manzini Clinic and asked to speak to Dr Phiri, an employee by the name of Nomfundo who answered the call confirmed that Dr Phiri has resigned.

“He is no longer with us, have you got his cell number? You can try him on that one,” said the Manzini Clinic employee who answered the call.

Efforts were made to contact Dr E. Phiri for a comment, however, his phone rang answered and he had not responded to our questions at the time of compiling this report.

But high profile insiders very close to the matter told this publication that an injection was allegedly prepared to be used by the doctors when killing the pro-democracy patients.

“It is alleged that the doctors were forced to agree that they would take all orders from the Management as insurance for their jobs. In this case, if a patient who is known to be against the King is admitted, they are expected to report to the authorities on what needs to be done to  that anti-Monarchy patient. If the authorities issue an order that he must go, then he/she would be killed using the injection,”said the high profile insider.

The Clinic Group, that consists of Manzini and Mbabane Clinics is owned by King Mswati and his influential, powerful and politically connected business syndicate that include Inyatsi Construction’s Michelo Shakantu and Wayne Levendale among others, both businessmen are serving in the health institution’s Board of Directors.

When this investigative journalist reached Michelo Shakantu and questioned him about the information, he immediately terminated the conversation.

“Yes Sir”,he said while listening and after this journalist started posing questions, he terminated the conversation.

The same questionnaire was sent to the Clinic Group Board member Wayne Levendale, he was asked to facilitate responses after Michelo avoided this journalist, Levendale said he was not the authorized person to respond.

“Good evening Mr Dlamini, I am not in a position to comment on his behalf nor the board. I suggest you set up a virtual appointment through his office.Kind regards,” said the Wayne Levendale, the Clinic Group Board member.

It has been disclosed that King Mswati systematically destroyed almost all public hospitals and clinics with intent to force patients into his Clinic Group business.

As a result, public hospitals have been struggling after Government failed to pay suppliers, the King subsequently reduced a R120million budget meant to pay salaries for nurses resulting to the retrenchment of over four hundred(400) health workers.

Thabile Mdluli, the Deputy Government Spokesperson had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

But separate independent investigation conducted by this Swaziland News further uncovered that members of the royal family who are not in good terms with the King avoided to be treated at the Manzana Royal Clinic after learning about this order to target patients in the various hospitals who are against Mswati.

Reached for comments, Mayibongwe Masangwane, the Secretary General of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union(SWADNU) said it would be very unfortunate if health workers would implement such orders despite taking an oath of the profession.

“What we know is that all nurses and doctors took an oath and we expect them to be ethical when doing their jobs. We are aware that sometimes money can force some health professionals to breach ethics and take such orders from authorities but as mentioned, we expect them to be ethical,” said the Nurses Union Secretary General.

Eswatini is a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa with about 70% of the population living below the poverty line, a majority of the population including women and children rely on public health institutions for medical-care.

But now, the public health system is struggling after Mswati systematically destroyed it and subsequently ventured into the business of owning private clinics to generate more revenue for himself and his business allies.