By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Percy Simelane,the King’s Spokesperson says, Mswati has an open door policy and does not grant individuals facing or those who might face criminal charges immunity.

Responding to this Swaziland News on Sunday evening after the Times reported that the King allegedly met Dave Van Niekerk,the South African businessman who is implicated in the R340million Ecsponent investment scandal,Simelane said he was not privy to the contents of the meeting that took place at Lozitha Palace on Thursday. 

The King’s Spokesperson was asked by this publication if the businessman met the King to seek prosecution immunity subsequent to the R340million disappearance of public funds.

It has been reported that over one thousand(1000) emaSwati lost their monies at Ecsponent and businessman David Van Niekerk “is believed” to be one of the masterminds.

King Mswati has been previously accused of offering prosecution immunity to individuals close to him who allegedly committed crimes.

“We were not privy to that  meeting.We want to believe it was private.When such meetings are held behind closed doors topics covered and conclusions reached remain confidential.We have no record of the King granting legal immunity to a suspect.Charged persons appear before the courts and not before the King.They are legally innocent until found guilty by a court of law.Our experience is that the King has an open door policy and can see anyone,depending on the subjects to be discussed”, said the King’s Spokesperson.

Efforts to reach Van Niekerk, the South African businessman proved unsuccessful but, he was quoted by the Times Sunday confirming the meeting with the King.

“I don’t really want to share the details because it is not my place to do so,but we discussed a few legal matters and we looked at some future opportunities, but I really enjoyed my meeting with His Majesty and the hospitality extended by his palace team”,said the businessman as quoted by the Times Sunday.

Reacting to the latest developments through an audio directed to the media,Pastor Justice Dlamini of the Worship Centre expressed concerns regarding the meeting between the businessman and the King, he said some of his church members lost a lot of money after investing at Ecsponent.

“Now we are seeing Lomlungu smiling and taking pictures with the King, what was the purpose of that meeting.Maybe, he was there to tell the King, as the ‘father’ of emaSwati who lost their monies that he has decided to pay back the money.Some of the people who lost their monies are our members and they frustrated and sick, maybe he is here to pay the money”, said the founding Pastor of Worship Centre.

On another note,emaSwati lost R340million at Ecsponent and the matter is a subject of court proceedings.