MBABANE:Alpheous Nxumalo,the Government Spokesperson says Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s character is under attack, a few months after he made a commitment suggesting that, Government will not respond to articles published by this independent online publication,the Swaziland News.
The Government Spokesperson released a statement on Monday subsequent to a series of articles published by this Swaziland News exposing the Prime Minister on abuse of power and/or corruption regarding the ongoing investigation into the looting of public, the PM stands accused of looting about R180million COVID-19 donated funds as per the report of the Auditor General(AG) Timothy Matsebula and, stopping the Anti-Corruption Commission(ACC) from arresting alleged corrupt individuals close to him.
It has been reported by this publication that on Thursday, the PM held a secret meeting with SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff who stands accused of looting over R1billion public funds as per the Funduzi Forensic Services report and this, comes after he allegedly stopped the Anti-Corruption Commission(ACC) from arresting Bertram Steward, the Principal Secretary(PS) in his Office who stands accused of looting R20million COVID-19 funds.
The looting of the public funds resulted to shortage of drugs in public hospitals while schools struggle without equipment, after PS Betram Steward allegedly walked away with over R20million through corrupt means.
“Government would like to assure the Nation that His Excellency remains committed to driving Government’s position to eradicate corruption in this country, without fear of favour, as per His Majesty the King’s call. This position was further reiterated by His Excellency himself when he set up the Anti Corruption Task Team on the 12 February this year, where he declared that “no one is immune” from being investigated and prosecuted. Any corruption accusations levelled against His Excellency are, therefore, nothing but an orchestrated move and evil plot meant to divert the public’s attention from the real masterminds of corruption. The Nation will find comfort in knowing that His Excellency was vetted and found in good standing before he assumed office.During his time at the helm of the National Disaster Management Agency(NDMA), the organisation received six clean audits from reputable international audit firm.These audits also cover the utilisation of COVID-19 funds.Government invites anyone who believes His Excellency has anything to hide and feels the need to verify these accusations to do so through established structures. This include all legal entities tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. Government will not be subjected into a permanent state of defending and explaining political machinations and character assassination manoeuvres directed to those who hold public office, including his Excellency and other officials”, reads the statement in part.
PM Russell Dlamini.