By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:”Loyo ngeke sekacale angitsintse mine, otherwise kungamela siteke lena yema-calls akhe nakashayela ‘Dzodzo’ before the killing of Victor Gamedze”.

These were sentiments of Swazi Observer Managing editor Mbongeni Mbingo who was recorded by a source within the newsroom, bragging that the Governing Board cannot “discipline him claiming to have secrets of Chairman Sthofeni Ginindza”, who doubles as King Mswati’s Financial Advisor.

In the recording, Mbingo was discussing some allegations involving him within the newspaper owned by Tibiyo TakaNgwane, he stands accused of stealing over R1million by directing advertising companies to pay monies due to the Swazi Observer in his personal account.

But the disappearance of the company funds is currently a ‘hot issue’ within the Swazi Observer Management however, “Mbingo is alleged to be bullying both the Governing Board and Management, abusing the power of journalism and his alleged proximity to royalty through one of the King Mswati’s wives.

As previously reported by this Swaziland News, the editor is an alleged boyfriend to King Mswati’s senior wife Inkhosikati Sibonelo Mngomezulu known as LaMbikiza and, commands huge influence through royalty.

Sthofeni Ginindza, the Swazi Observer Governing Board Chairperson promised this call this journalist back but he had not returned the call at the time of compiling this report.

“I will call you back”, he said.

It is alleged that Mbingo colluded with Tengetile Mkhize, a Swazi Observer employee within the Accounts Department in the alleged stealing of the company funds and, an internal investigation might be launched soon, Mbongeni Mbingo declined to comment about the matter.

On another note, the Board of Directors is allegedly divided on how to handle the matter as some wants Mbingo fired for corruption while other Board members with alleged links to LaMbikiza are protecting the editor.

This comes after Managing Director Allen Mkhonta attempted to suspend Accountant Tengetile Mkhize who allegedly colluded with Mbingo in the stealing of the company funds.

Accountant Tengetile Mkhize subsequently rushed to report the Managing Director to Board member Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo who doubles as the Attorney General(AG).

When this publication tried to reach Swazi Observer Managing Director Allen Mkhonta on Sunday evening, he promised to respond later and clarify what is happening in this matter.

But the dramatic standoff within the Observer reached the boiling point on Monday last week as the media company is alleged to be financially struggling, unable to pay salaries as editor Mbingo intensifies looting of millions with impunity.

Various companies advertising with the Swazi Observer have been identified depositing large sums of money into editor Mbingo Mbingo’s personal bank account.