By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Vumile Dlamini,the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Royal Science and Technology Park(RSTP) has been removed amid the over R100million fraud and corruption scandal.

Dlamini,a member of the royal family stands accused of using Cypher Technology(Pty)Ltd to loot over R100million public funds through questionable tenders and according to bank transactions,the removed CEO allegedly received millions from the said company.

As widely reported by the Investigation Unit of this Swaziland News for the past two(2) weeks,it is alleged that Dlamini,facilitated the establishment of Cypher Technology(Pty) Ltd with the sole intention of looting public funds.

But it has been disclosed that,the allegations emerged at the time when Dlamini’s contract was due for renewal,the Board of Directors took a decision not to renew his contract and subsequently appointed Dr Andile Metfula as Acting Chief Executive Officer.

“Morning Dlamini.He is acting for the next 3 months”,said a senior Cabinet source when asked to confirm the appointment of Dr Metfula.

Efforts to reach removed RSTP Chief Executive Officer for a comment proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

On another note,Percy Simelane,the King’s Spokesperson told this Swaziland News this week that, despite the fact that Vumile Dlamini is a member of the royal family and a grandson of Sobhuza,King Mswati will not interfere in any investigation or decision that might be taken against him.

Dlamini has an alleged file within the Anti Corruption Commission(ACC) and according to documents in our possession,he was investigated for alleged corruption and the ACC even wrote to various banks including the Central Bank of Eswatini(CBE), requesting information as part of the high level investigation.

But the investigation was subsequently sabotaged amid allegations suggesting that,ACC Chief Investigator Sipho Mthethwa was bribed to drop the investigation that appears in State Intelligence files.

The removed CEO stands accused of hindering development and advancement of technology in government and the entire country by looting millions meant to facilitate technology projects.

As a result, since its establishment,the Royal Science and Technology Park(RSTP) has been struggling to implement technologically advanced innovative projects despite receiving public funds from Government.