By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Times journalists are allegedly behind the spreading a narrative suggesting that, public figures must not respond to this Swaziland News perhaps, in fear of the competition as the print media lose relevance.

After this publication exclusively investigated and exposed the R59million Motor Vehicle Accident(MVA) procurement scandal that was confirmed by Board Chairman Zithulele Gina, Times journalists some who secretly operate various ‘fake’ online platforms where they anonymously scandalize public figures, rushed to accuse Gina of having a close relationship with editor Zweli Martin Dlamini.

But the writer exposed himself by including details of a 2018 Central Bank of Eswatini(CBE) Royal Villas media engagement where Times journalists vigorously complained why editor Zweli Martin Dlamini was appointed as a Panelist together with Nation Magazine editor Bheki Makhubu, at the time Gina was the Central Bank Head of Strategy and Communications.

The journalists complained that the Central Bank was elevating Zwemart into the high level of editor Bheki Makhubu by appointing him as Panelist, the media engagement was facilitated by a journalist from the British Broadcasting Corporation(BBC) who was contracted by the Central Bank.

But editor Zweli Martin Dlamini is currently working with the BBC as a Contributor for eSwatini stories, he recently reported for the BBC clarifying the dumping of dangerous criminals by the United States(US).

Two(2) weeks ago after this publication exposed the R59million MVA procurement, the Times re-published the story the following Sunday and the journalists allegedly blamed Gina for responding to Zwemart.

A social media post accusing Gina of communicating with Zwemart was circulated and a few minutes later, Times journalists contacted Gina trying to intimidate him that he was being investigated by the police for communicating to Zwemart.

“I can confirm being contacted by Times journalists saying “sewukubonile yini lolokubhalwe ka-social media. Bengingakaboni-ke nami ngoba angikunaki lokwe-platform lokwa. But let me confirm that I will not stop responding to the Swaziland News because as King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane said, I believe we must respond to journalists so that, we can an opportunity to properly clarify issues”, said the MVA Board Chairman.

Efforts to reach Times Managing editor Thobeka Manyathela proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

The Times journalists who are operating the fake online platforms are known to this publication however, Swaziland News editor is currently investigating their bank accounts and other financial transactions systems to uncover their funders as they are believed to linked to a network of politicians and businesspeople trying to intimidate others using the King’s name.