KING MSWATI WARNS HIS CHILDREN AGAINST TAKING MONEY FROM SWAZIPHARM BOSS AMID DRUG SCANDAL
In a dramatic turn of events exposing the behind-the-scenes tension within Eswatini’s royal circles, King Mswati III is alleged to have issued a stern warning to his children, cautioning them not to accept cash or favours from SwaziPharm Director, Kareem Ashraff. This warning came during a private meeting at Lozitha Palace as the kingdom continues to grapple with a worsening medical crisis fueled by allegations of massive corruption and mismanagement in the public health sector.
According to revelations made to the Swaziland News by one of the King’s own sons, the monarch expressed frustration and deep concern about Ashraff’s behavior, particularly his tendency to speak ill of people who have previously taken money from him. The King reportedly emphasized that Ashraff had a “loose tongue” and often mentioned names of those he claimed to have paid off.
“Inkhosi yakukhuluma strongly yaze yashintja laBusweni yatsi ‘asenikhulume liciniso kute yini imali yaleli-Ndiya lenayidla ngoba nalifika lakimi lulwimi lakhe lulula mani, ukhuluma kabi ngebantfu atsi lona nalona udla imali kuye’,” the Prince quoted his father. Loosely translated, the King was demanding to know if any of his children had accepted bribes from “this Indian man,” referring to Ashraff, stating that Ashraff speaks negatively about anyone who takes money from him.
The King’s pointed remarks were allegedly directed at Prince Sicalo, who currently plays a role in the Ministry of Defence. According to the source, the Principal Secretary in Defence swiftly responded, denying any involvement or acceptance of cash or gifts from Ashraff.
The King went on to caution that accepting anything from Ashraff could be dangerous, especially given the ongoing investigations into the shortage of drugs in public hospitals. “Kuncono-ke ngoba leNdiya akulihambele kahle mani kungenteka lingene enkingeni ngalendzaba yemaphilisi,” the King reportedly said, warning that Ashraff may end up dragging others down with him in the scandal. The King added that Ashraff is known to name-drop when speaking with him and may reveal names of collaborators or those who received money from him.
This latest revelation comes amid a serious and tragic public health emergency in Eswatini. Dozens have died across the country due to the acute shortage of drugs in hospitals, sparking widespread outrage and suspicions of massive looting within the Ministry of Health. SwaziPharm, which is among the companies contracted to supply drugs to public hospitals, has come under heavy scrutiny.
While Kareem Ashraff has refused to comment to the Swaziland News, he previously denied any wrongdoing when interviewed by the Swazi Observer. Despite these denials, the public continues to raise questions about how billions allocated to the Ministry of Health have seemingly disappeared, leaving clinics and hospitals empty and lives lost.
King Mswati’s official spokesperson, Percy Simelane, has tried to distance the monarch from the scandal. Simelane previously stated that the King was supportive of the investigation into the drug shortage and wanted those implicated to be arrested. He further clarified that His Majesty only uses the budget approved by Parliament and has not been involved in any misuse of health funds.
But for many Swazis, such statements do little to clear the air. The crisis in public healthcare is not just about stolen funds—it’s about a system that continues to serve the elite while the people suffer. If even the King is worried about being mentioned in corruption circles, it reflects the depth of the rot that has taken over Eswatini.
This scandal is not just a political issue—it is a national emergency, and the people of Eswatini deserve transparency, accountability, and justice.
