By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Phesheya Dube, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology(ICT) has released a press statement, informing the public about threats directed to Dr Andile Methula, the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Royal Science and Technology Park(RSTP).

This comes after the removal of CEO Vumile Dlamini who was exposed by this Swaziland News for allegedly looting over R100million public funds within the State owned entity.

It has been disclosed through inside sources that, Metfula has already started cleaning the public entity including suspending or removing implicated employees amid further investigations on allegations of corruption.

“The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology has been made aware of disturbing threats against Dr. Andile Metfula, the Acting CEO of the Royal Science and Technology Park and officers. These threats are gravely concerning and being taken seriously by the Ministry. The safety and security of our personnel are of paramount importance. The Ministry is committed to ensuring that Dr Metfula, along with all other officials, are protected from any harm. We have engaged with the relevant security authorities to enforce necessary security measures in safeguarding Dr. Metfula and the Royal Science and Technology Park and his support staff, to avert any potential threats”, said the Principal Secretary.

The PS then urged anyone with information that may assist in the investigation of these threats to report to the law enforcement agencies.

On another note, Vumile Dlamini and members of his alleged syndicate of suppliers who were benefiting through alleged corruption within the State owned entity, are alleged to be lobbying to reverse the decision, Dlamini was removed by Information, Communication and Technology(ICT) Minister Savannah Maziya amid allegations of fraud and corruption.

But at this juncture, there’s no evidence linking the removed CEO to the allegations of thretening the Acting CEO however,this publication is vigorously investigating the matter and other issues within the Royal Science and Technology Park.

Vumile Dlamini, the removed Chief Executive Officer(CEO) declined to comment about the matter, he was investigated by the Anti Corruption Commission(ACC) and the investigation was subsequently sabotaged.

But on Monday evening, Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini received high level intelligence information from State security officials regarding the new developments in the matter involving the power structure in Cabinet and the royal family.

The power struggle erupted after the removal of Vumile Dlamini, and the new information is being verified and will be published in due course.

ICT Minister Savannah Maziya has been taking decisive action to clean the Royal Science and Technology Park(RSTP) and other State entities under her Ministry amid allegations of corruption.

But it appears that, the corruption is deep rooted and the syndicates are pulling the trigger against those thretening their interests.