By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini is allegedly soliciting a bribe from Brittania Brands Managing Director Mobeen Meldi,an alleged controversial investor who wants to establish a biscuits factory.

Evidence in our possession suggests that, the Prime Minister visited the investor on or around the 14th August 2024 and the investor wanted him to influence Cabinet or Parliament to grant him a license and allow his factory project to commence immediately.

This comes after Minister Mancoba Khumalo, officials within the Ministry of Commerce particularly, the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority(EIPA) allegedly expressed serious concerns that, the investor was financially broke and that, he was involved or linked to scandals in other countries where he disappeared with monies.

Mobeen Meldi is alleged to be visiting countries pretending to be an investor,secure loans in financial institutions within those countries and subsequently disappear.

Highly confidential information in possession of this Swaziland News suggests that,the investor was rejected by Commence, Industry and Trade Minister Mancoba Khumalo who allegedly realized that, he had no financial capacity to invest as he wanted to source money within the country.

”The problem is that,he does not have the money and he wants to be allowed to establish the factory and then apply for loans in the banks.Considering his history, he might just disappear thereafter”, said a source very close to the matter.

An independent investigation conducted by this Swaziland News uncovered that, after learning that his project was being rejected by the Ministry responsible for investors, Mobeen Meldi opted to approach one Bongani Dlamini, an alleged brother to the Prime Minister to act as a conduit between him and the PM.

The controversial investor allegedly wanted the Prime Minister to assist him influence Cabinet and/or overrule Minister Mancoba Khumalo who dismissed his project.

But part of the communication landed to this publication through Whatsap messages, where the controversial investor was communicating with the Prime Minister’s brother, making a follow-up regarding the matter. 

“Tuesdays they have Cabinet meeting with the King.Tuesdays are busy for the PM.He is in a meeting right now.I’m sure at some point he will have private discussion on Britannia Brands issue”,read a Whatsap message in part from the Prime Minister’s brother Bongani Dlamini to the controversial investor.

It has been disclosed that, Bongani Dlamini was also a conduit for an alleged bribe on behalf of the PM who was then expected to push the matter and ensure that,the investor “is granted a license to operate a factory and produce biscuits in the country”.

The Prime Minister is alleged to have suggested that,the investor must approach one Member of Parliament(MP) to raise the matter inside the House and then, the PM will intensify it with Cabinet, acting as if he was merely implementing a Parliament resolution.

Bongani Dlamini allegedly received ten thousand Rands(R10,000.00) just for connecting the investor with the Prime Minister.

But the evidence in our possession does not substantiate that, the Prime Minister had received his bribe as he was still pushing the matter, however, this publication gathered that, the said Bongani Dlamini told the investor that, payment known as “Sibongo” for the PM will then be expected after the approval of the business deal but, the  amount was not disclosed.

As a result of the communication, the PM allegedly visited the controversial investor in his house at Tubungu to discuss the business deal.

A questionnaire was sent to Deputy Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli,however,she declined to comment and investor had not responded to our text message.

Bongani Dlamini, the brother to the PM also avoided our questions on the subject matter.

But this Swaziland News in possession of electronic evidence including audios of what was allegedly discussed during the alleged secret meeting.

Pictures of the PM and the investor after the meeting, are also in possession of this publication.

On another note, the investor was once quoted by an online platform known as “The Free Library” pleading with banks in Europe to support his business, that was in 2009.

“Mr Mehdi says a funding injection is now vital to secure the future of the business and meet its financial commitments to Zetar.He said: “I need the extra funding but I believe I will get it.”I'm a trier. The potential is there, our product range and business model is right.”He plans to expand the business after winning work from contract manufacturing and private label customers-he is in discussions with a UK supermarket-and growing BSC's range of own-branded products.He expects to grow staff numbers at the Middlesbrough factory by 50% from 100 to 150.Mr Mehdi urged banks to start lending to businesses with good growth potential after having funding requests turned down by mainstream banks,” reads an article from The Free Library.

But over fifteen(15) years later, the controversial investor is alleged to be seeking funding even in eSwatini to establish the same biscuits factory.