By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Jeremy Liang, the Taiwan Ambassador allegedly provided funding amounting to over R40million to Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, part of the money was then used to pay Zimbabwean fugitives who tricked the PM saying they will provide State Intelligence services.

As previously reported by this Swaziland News, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini stands accused of issuing diplomatic passports to three(3) Zimbabwean fugitives; Elvis Mugari, Kudakwashe Muchero and Simbarashe Muchero, he was using these fugitives as his own ‘State Intelligence Unit’ after refusing to adhere to genuine advise from State Security experts urging him to terminate ties with these fugitives as they were not credible.

After this publication investigated and subsequently exposed the fugitives’ dealings with the Prime Minister, the PM had already paid over R2million public funds to the Zimbabweans, these monies were allegedly meant for security upgrades.

It is alleged that, part of the money was looted by the Prime Minister who awarded security tenders including installation of cameras to private companies to which he stands to benefit.

Taiwan Ambassador Jeremy Liang declined to comment about the matter but, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo released a statement clarifying the controversial monies utilized for the PM’s security upgrade.

“Regarding recent reports of a E40m budget request for security upgrades at the Prime Minister’s Office and residence, Government wishes to assure emaSwati that the taxpayer will not spend a cent on this project. This is because the project is donor funded,” said the Government Spokesperson through the press statement, he did not mention or reveal the identity of the donor.

On another note, donor funds from international partners received by Government automatically “become public funds and, subject to accountability through Parliament and other State accountability agencies”.

It has been diclosed that,these funds are actually donated to and, on behalf of emaSwati or the country as a Sovereign State but, for specific projects”.

As a result, Government’s procedures and policies suggest that, donor funds are normally declared by State agencies and, deposited to the Government bank account for transparency and accountability purposes, the funds form part of the country’s National Budget.