By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Cerium Scientific, a company allegedly owned by multi-million drugs shortage alleged thief Zinhle Matsebula has a case to answer.

This is contained in the investigation report compiled by Funduzi Forensic Services as per the instructions of the  Minister of Finance Neal Rijikernberg through the Office of the Auditor General(AG).

“Cerium Scientific has a case to answer regarding it’s collusion with Ms Sincendile Dlamini as more outlined in the supplementary report of the latter”, reads the report in part.

Reached for comments earlier, the businesswoman denied the allegations.

“I am a Pharmacist by profession and met and became acquainted with Ms Sincedile Dlamini whilst I was employed at the Eswatini Government (Central Medical Stores).The relationship is collegial and nothing more.I refute in the strongest terms the insinuation that I am involved in malfeasance in the tender processes.I hold several degrees from reputable universities which gives me adequate capacity to excel in what I’m doing.If you know exactly what goes into preparation of medical supplies tender, you will have an idea that there is no way an industry expert can be assisted by a Procurement Specialist,” said the businesswoman when responding to this publication on the subject matter.

On another note,Sincendile Dlamini, the Chief Procurement Officer said she was on suspension and not comfortable to discuss the matter.

Eswatini is facing a health crisis,senior Government officials allegedly colluded with suppliers including SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff to loot public funds, resulting to shortage of drugs and subsequent death of hundreds of patients.

Reached for comments earlier,Mayibongwe Masangwane,the Secretary General(SG) of the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union(SWADNU)said,the corruption within the Ministry of Health resulted to patients being forced to buy their own medication.

“Even now the corruption is continuing,Government promised to deliver drugs but there’s nothing”, said the Nurses Union Secretary General.

On another note, the report also contains lists of companies alleged to have looted public funds, resulting to the death of hundreds of patients within the various public hospitals amid shortage of drugs.