By Zweli Martin Dlamini

SIKHUPHE: Employees of the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority(ESWACAA) were requested to work overtime on Tuesday after King Mswati’s private jet developed technical problems and delayed his SADC trip, insiders disclosed this Swaziland News.

An electronic evidence sourced from Ludzidzini Palace where the King was performing rituals on Monday evening suggests that, Mswati was expected to leave the country to the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC)around 11:30 am, however, the time was changed to 2pm amid security concerns.

Reached for comments, Bhekithemba Hlatshwako, the Airport Manager declined to comment saying such matters did not fall under his jurisdiction.

“Netasemsebentini wami angititeki titekwa baka-Communications. Leti-ke atisito netami(meaning: I don’t even respond on issues involving my employer, these issues do not fall under my jurisdiction),” said the Airport Manager.

But intelligence sources told this publication that the King delayed his trip after his jet developed technical problems.

“The jet developed technical problems and the trip was delayed. For now they are ‘test-flying’ it to see if it’s safe for the King to use it,” said one of our intelligence sources within the security forces.

But another insider very close to the matter shared different sentiments saying there was a possibility that the King delayed the trip for security reasons.

“The A320 airbus jetted out at 2pm only with the crew inside, we suspect that balahlisa umkhondvo or they are test flying the plane.But the King hasn't left, he will jet out at around 1am,”said the insider very close to the King.

Reached for comments,Percy Simelane, the Director of Communications in the King’s Office referred comments to the Foreign Affairs Minister Thuli Dladla.

“Kindly call Foreign Affairs Minister,Thuli Dladla.She is better positioned to share.The King’s  International engagements fall under her Ministry.She is always part of the King's Delegations and sees everything that happens,” said the Director of the Communications in the King’s Office.

A questionnaire was sent to Thulisile Dladla, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, however, she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

King Mswati allegedly performed rituals on Monday evening around 12 midnight ahead of his trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) ,he is expected to meet other Heads of States to discuss issues of the SADC region.