•‘˜‡”–‡Š‹‰”‡–ƒ›– PM resolute in fight against corruption
MBABANE – Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini is adamant that no amount of intimidation and misinformation will deter his administration from pursuing the fight against corruption.
Dlamini was addressing senior government officials, including some Cabinet ministers and captains of the industry, during the business-to-government engagement held at Emafini Country Lodge yesterday morning. The engagement was hosted by Business Eswatini (BE).
He urged businesses not to be complicit in corruption and corrupt individuals.
“We ask every business to work with His Majesty’s Government to fight all forms of corruption,” he said.
The PM further mentioned that the government frowned at the recent attack on perceived foreign-owned businesses by smaller businesses, because it was not geared towards nation-building and was self-defeating to the economic growth agenda. He said all businesses and emaSwati must fight against perpetrators of conflict in the business sector and the country.
Just this past Monday, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said the administration had been made aware of the allegations of corruption and abuse of power, that were being levelled against the person and Office of the PM, particularly on social media.
Nxumalo issued a statement calling upon anyone who believes and has enough evidence to prove that the PM allegedly squandered public funds in his previous job to bring such proof. He said the allegations of corruption against the PM were a smear campaign and were not backed by any evidence.
“These accusations unfortunately are not being backed by any evidence and are a smear campaign meant to tarnish the image and integrity of His Excellency and the office that he occupies,” Nxumalo said.
Noteworthy, it was hardly three days after the strong proclamation by His Majesty King Mswati III for the country to fiercely deal with corruption when the PM appointed the Anti-corruption Task Team.
He ordered them (the task team) to commence investigations and bring them to finality with immediate effect. Dlamini minced no words when emphasising that no case must be dropped.
The task team comprises Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lomvula Hlophe, the Acting National Commissioner of Police, Lydia Dlamini, and the Acting Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Maphevu Mkhatshwa.
Two weeks after its appointment, the task team reported to have already transferred seven cases to the of DPPs.
Director of the ACC Jabu Phakathi, explained that the cases would be reviewed for their readiness for them to apply for warrants. According to Phakathi, once the DPP clears the cases, they would then approach the court for warrants of search and seizure.
She stated that they were expecting the cases to be out soon. Additionally, the director revealed that the task team had 16 investigators, which comprised of officers from the ACC and the police.
In the same vein, she said the DPP had designated prosecutors, who would assist with investigations.
“The aim is to shorten the time it takes to conclude cases,” Phakathi said.
She went on to state that the task team had been allocated a budget that would help them fulfil their mandate, but there was a need for additional office space and motor vehicles.