By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff, it is alleged,has a two(2) quire exercise book with names of high profile people including senior police officers who are allegedly on his payroll.

The confidential exercise book was allegedly seen by a senior bank official and Ashraff was recently negotiating with bank officials to grant him a loan or an overdraft to finance a R5million Ministry of Health purchase order. 

The businessman was allegedly asked by bank officials how he will pay back the money as he was under investigation within the Ministry of Health and that was when he allegedly produced the two(2)quire exercise book with names of powerful people getting money from him.He allegedly told the bank officials that for this reason,the investigation won’t see the light of the day.

Part of the confidential information cannot be revealed to protect the identity of the senior bank official who shared it with journalist,in confidence.

“Almost all the senior police officers are there,they are getting paid by this man Ashraff,among the prominent police officers,it’s only Acting National Commissioner Lydia Dlamini and Phindile Vilakati who are not in that list.We didn’t give him the money because he is a risk, some of his bank accounts have been frozen amid the investigation”, said the bank official.

SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff who stands accused of looting over R600million within the Ministry of Health,resulting to shortage of drugs in public hospitals,has been evading accountability when contacted by this Swaziland News for a comment regarding the series of alleged corrupt activities involving his name in the public administration.

“I will speak to you after the court cases”, said the SwaziPharm Director when previously asked to comment regarding the investigation and his subsequent troubles with local banks.

Efforts to seek a comment from Acting Police National Commissioner Lydia Dlamini and Spokesperson Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

The Acting National Commissioner was recently appointed into a Task Team commissioned by the Prime Minister(PM) to fight corruption in the country.

On another note,Sivumelwano Nyembe,the Spokesperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF) told this publication earlier that,it was surprising to note that, Ashraff who “is a subject of an investigation” on alleged corrupt dealings,continues to receive tenders.

"It is a matter of concern that he continues to be awarded tenders. It is imperative for the Swazi state to address commercial cases with the same efficiency and diligence applied to political matters.It is crucial that the justice system operates without bias or favoritism, demonstrating to the public that justice is being served impartially. Regardless of one’s status, every individual has the right to their day in court and due process to address and refute allegations.Before any legal proceedings take place,it is essential to acknowledge Ashraff as a person under investigation.Treating any individual with special privileges undermines the credibility of the justice system.Therefore,it is of utmost importance that the authorities ensure transparency, uphold the principles of fairness, and avoid any perception of preferential treatment in handling such cases.The public's trust in the justice system relies on its ability to deliver justice without discrimination”, said the MSF Spokesperson,a coalition of pro-democracy groups in eSwatini.