By Nokwanda Mamba

MBABANE: Retiring Deputy National Commissioner Sam Mthembu who is heading the high-level investigation to arrest Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini has been promised an extended employment contract on condition that he apprehend the journalist, senior police sources reveals.

The insiders further told this publication that Mthembu, whose retirement is due this year, was under extreme pressure to prove himself that he deserves the extended contract by arresting the editor who stands accused of writing critical articles about King Mswati and his daughter Princess Sikhanyiso.

Indeed, series of highly classified audio recordings leaked to this Swaziland News by police sources proves the desperation of the retiring Deputy Commissioner as he sounds frustrated that the journalist was still in hiding yet he continues to publish critical articles about the authorities.

“Siyamfuna mani, nasingamane nje sitfole lokutsi ukuphi, ngoba nawubuka leliphepha lakhe iSwaziland News uyabhala nje ngebantfu labadzala(We are looking for him, if we can just know his whereabout because he continues to write and criticize the authorities” said the retiring Deputy Commissioner.

Efforts were made by this publication to reach the Deputy National Commissioner to respond to the contents of the audio recordings, but had not answered at the time of compiling this report.

It has been noted that in almost all the audio recordings, Mthembu speaks about Princess Sikhanyiso, expressing frustration that the publication exposed the Communication Minister whom he referred to as Inkhosatanain some of the recorded conversations. 

It could not be ascertained whether the Princess was part of the powerful clique that promised the senior cop the extension of the contract. But police sources revealed that the Princess who threatened the editor through text messages was part of those backing the investigations.

Superintendent Phindile Valakati, the Police Spokesperson recently appealed to anyone who might know the whereabouts of the editor contact the police including Deputy Commissioner Sam Mthembu. 

“We would also like to encourage those who know him, to advise him that the best thing to do is to surrender himself to the police” said the Police Spokesperson when speaking to the Times.

Mthembu, who climbed the ladder in the police ranks after playing a crucial role in the alleged killing of Sipho Jele, the then member of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) allegedly developed ambitions to take over as National Commissioner of Police.

Police advise those who might know the whereabouts of the editor Deputy National Commissioner Sam Mthembu on 7606 2316, Senior Superintendent Clement Sihlongonyane on 76127994, Assistant Superintendent Jabulani Madlopha on 7605 7428