MBABANE: Kareem Ashraff, the Director of SwaziPharm, allegedly used the highest level of corruption tactics by submitting tender documents through his various companies with the alleged intention to loot millions of public funds.
It has been revealed that these corrupt practices have not only resulted in a loss of over R600million public funds but, have also resulted to the ongoing health crisis.
An independent investigation conducted by Swaziland News uncovered that, apart from using SwaziPharm, Ashraff allegedly used different companies to compete for tenders within the Ministry of Health, and this means procurement officers would compare prices from entities owned by the same businessman.
This raised serious concerns about the potential collusion and conflicts of interest within the procurement process, compromising fair competition and potentially inflating prices.
One of the companies allegedly owned by Ashraff is TSS Medical (Pty) Ltd.The company recently submitted a tender for the supply and delivery of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Renal Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies under Tender No. 2 of 2022/23.
According to the documents in possession of this publication, the tender was worth one hundred and fifty-one million, eight hundred and twenty-four thousand, seven hundred and eighty-nine, and eighty-four cents (R151,824,789.84).
But the tender documents further suggest that, Ashraff’s TSS Medical(Pty)Ltd lost the tender after failing to submit ISO certificates and manufacture’s authorizations.
It appeared that this was systematic, as some of Kareem Ashraff’s companies secured tenders worth over R600 million.
Efforts to reach Khanya Mabuza, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report. Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, Kareem Ashraff, the SwaziPharm Director, said he was under pressure and will speak to this journalist later.
“Mr Martin I am under pressure, so many things are happening in my life.I have court cases, let’s wait for the court processes, then I will speak to you,” said the SwaziPharm Director.
It was reported by this publication that Ashraff was allegedly colluding with Sincendile Dlamini, the suspended Chief Procurement Officer in the Ministry of Health.
Responding to a detailed questionnaire from this Swaziland News earlier, Scendile Dlamini, the Chief Procurement Officer in the Ministry of Health confirmed that, she was under suspension amid an investigation into the health crisis and as a result, she was restricted from responding to the media regarding the ongoing investigation.
“Good morning Mr Dlamini.I am currently on suspension as per letter that forensic investigations are currently underway in the procurement department and I am not allowed to discuss work related matters.Further I have taken the matter to Court and since it’s pending in court I cannot comment at this stage,” said the Chief Procurement Officer.
SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff.