By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Macaleni Dlamini, the then King’s cattle overseer who was reported to Mswati during Sibaya for allegedly stealing cattle from members of the public, falsely using King’s name, has been arrested by the police.

Dlamini who was born from the Royal House of Prince Macaleni, was fired by King Mswati who reportedly conducted his own private investigation to verify the allegations.

But as previously reported by this Swaziland News, the King is alleged to have instructed Macaleni to transport his cattle from Ludzidzini to Tibiyo TakaNgwane Malkerns Dalcrue Farm, he then instructed one trusted servant to follow Macaleni behind with another car without him noticing.

Dlamini was seen diverting the truck carrying the King’s cattle to one of his homes to deliver some before driving to the King’s Farm.

When he came back to report after delivering the cattle, King Mswati who was visibly angry is alleged to have said;

“Kani bacinisile kutsi uyeba, uyaganga. Umikise tigakhi tinkhomo lena langikutfume khona?”, said the King before firing him.

Macaleni Dlamini has been detained at Siteki Police Station and he will appear in court this week.

But at the time of compiling this report on Tuesday morning, Dlamini had been moved to the Lubombo Regional Headquarters for further questioning before his court appearance.

Efforts to seek a comment from Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the Police Spokesperson proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

Responding to this Swaziland News, King Mswati’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane warned, amid what he described as escalating cases of individuals using the name of the King to enrich themselves.

But Simelane declined to comment specifically on Macaleni Dlamini’s criminal case saying the police were seized with the matter and therefore, he wouldn’t want to be seen jeopardizing investigations conducted by the law enforcement agency.

“The arrest appears to be a police case already and we elect not to comment on it lest we contaminate investigations. But, generally it is culturally taboo to hide behind the King’s name for anything.What is culturally proper is that we,his subjects burn our fingers to protect the Monarch and the Monarchy. It is very unfortunate that some of his trusted generals are gnawing away at his zeal to develop this country economically and socially. Yes, Biblically Jesus was crucified by his own people, priests for that matter but Eswatini case of betrayals seem to be too much if media reports are anything to go by,” said the King’s Spokesperson.