By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini allegedly held a secret meeting with SwaziPharm Director Kareem Ashraff to discuss among others, the reinstatement of removed Royal Science and Technology Park(RSTP) Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Vumile Dlamini.

It has been disclosed that, the influential, powerful and politically connected businessman is an alleged supplier at the Technology Park and was generating millions through alleged fraud and corruption, the meeting allegedly took place on Monday around 1pm at the time when Acting CEO Dr Andile Methula was receiving death threats.

A questionnaire was sent to Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli on Monday evening, she was asked to explain the purpose of the meeting, however, she had not responded at the time of compiling this report.

But a senior source within Cabinet who alerted this Swaziland News about the meeting,said after the meeting with Ashraff,Prime Minister allegedly went on to meet other members of Liqoqo-the King’s Advisory Council to discuss the reinstatement of the removed Chief Executive Officer(CEO).

Vumile Dlamini was removed as CEO by Information Minister Savannah Maziya amid the over R100million alleged fraud and corruption scandal within the State owned entity, Dr Andile Metfula, the Acting CEO of the Royal Science and Technology subsequently received death threats as the power struggle and the fight for millions within the State owned entity intensifies.

But Phesheya Dube the Principal Secretary(PS) in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology(ICT) released a statement confirming the death threats directed to Dr Andile Metfula, the Acting CEO.

“The Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology has been made aware of disturbing threats against Dr. Andile Metfula, the Acting CEO of the Royal Science and Technology Park and officers. These threats are gravely concerning and being taken seriously by the Ministry. The safety and security of our personnel are of paramount importance. The Ministry is committed to ensuring that Dr Metfula, along with all other officials, are protected from any harm. We have engaged with the relevant security authorities to enforce necessary security measures in safeguarding Dr. Metfula and the Royal Science and Technology Park and his support staff, to avert any potential threats”, said the Principal Secretary.

The PS then urged anyone with information that may assist in the investigation of these threats to report to the law enforcement agencies.

Kareem Ashraff and removed Royal Science and Technology Park(CEO)Vumile Dlamini declined to comment.

It has been reported that, Acting CEO Dr Andile Metfula opened a case after his driver received a thretening call from an unknown caller who threatened Dr Metfula.

This publication gathered State documents suggesting that, Vumile Dlamini was investigated by the Anti Corruption Commission(ACC) for alleged corruption, he allegedly used various suppliers including Cypher Technology(Pty) Ltd to loot millions within the State owned company.