I never coerced her to withdraw case – under secretary

MBABANE – The under secretary (US) in the ministry that has been rocked by the rape claims has denied any involvement in the withdrawal of the sexual assault case.

The US was responding to allegations of having been one of the people who allegedly coerced the complainant to withdraw the case.

Instead, the US told this publication that, upon receiving a report on the allegations, due processes were followed to get to the bottom of it. The name of the US and gender will not be revealed for ethical reasons.

During an interview with this publication, the complainant alleged that the US was not kind to her and uttered words that made her feel worse.

“I felt like the US was not interested in hearing my side of the story and instead sided with the two colleagues,” the complainant claimed.

The US was overcome with emotion when detailing how the matter was hard to deal with.

“I am aware of the matter and the allegations. I had not met the complainant before she came to my officer with her sister. Before that, she had not showed up for work for a prolonged period after I had a letter from the Swatini Action Group Against Abuse, informing me that she had stress-related issues and was receiving some help,” the US said.

The US also informed this publication that what followed later were allegations which made it difficult to deal with the matter.

“I was hurt, went through emotions and took it so deep as I hated what had allegedly happened. What pained me, the most was the allegation against me as I was not even in Johannesburg when the arrests happened and when the case was dropped,” the US said.

The US further said: “I enquired if any examinations had been carried out and even suggested that she should wait until the police had gathered all the information they needed. However, she left the police and came back to Eswatini. I then received a call from her sister.”

The US said despite having been disappointed following the allegations, a process of reporting to the principal secretary (PS) was undertaken.

Elaborating, the US said it was painful hearing the allegation of an employee being coerced to withdraw a case.

“I spent time advising against the withdrawal of the case and even told her that the SA police could accuse her of lying and arrest her. She said she felt she should withdraw the case and take steps upon return to Eswatini. I told her that I had informed the PS about the issue. I was surprised that she felt I had not done enough,” said the US.

“It is difficult because she has also involved me through her allegations. I can no longer work on it, so I have decided to recuse myself.”

Also, the US requested not to say much since the matter was of a criminal nature and could be best be dealt with by the police.