MBABANE:Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini allegedly held a ‘secret’ meeting with SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff on Thursday, Cabinet sources told this publication.
The questionable meeting that was allegedly held at the Cabinet offices in Mbabane,comes after this Swaziland News reported that,the PM stopped the Anti-Corruption Commission(ACC) from arresting Bertram Steward,the Principal Secretary(PS) in his office.
Worth-noting, the PM has been publicizing his recent meetings on social media, it remains unclear why he opted to keep this one a top secret.
The powerful and politically connected businessman,stands accused of looting over R1billion public funds, resulting to the shortage of drugs in public hospitals.
Ashraff through his various companies,was exposed subsequent to a forensic investigation conducted by Funduzi Forensic Services,the investigation was launched by the Ministry of Finance through the Office of the Auditor General(AG) Timothy Matsebula.
The PM recently announced a Task Team mandated to fight corruption,however,it is alleged that,he has been vigorously protecting suppliers and Government officials as “he is also implicated in the disappearance of about R180million within the National Disaster Management Agency(NDMA) as per the report of the Auditor General(AG).
Both Ashraff and the Prime Minister failed to respond and clarify the purpose of the meeting when questioned by this publication.
On another note, the SwaziPharm Director is alleged to have made failed attempts to meet King Mswati since the health crisis scandal erupted.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.