Swazi Observer

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UNTOUCHABLE, POWERFUL PEOPLE INVOLVED IN CORRUPTION – AG

By SIBUSISO DLAMINI | 2024-03-03

Auditor General (AG) Timothy Matsebula has alleged that his life remains at risk, as he is yet to receive the essential security he so requires as he faces the people he reprimands for corrupt practices against government on a daily basis.

In a week that has seen him dominate headlines for exposing a maze of irregular practices draining billions of Emalangeni from taxpayers, he has revealed to the nation that he is facing a daunting challenge in combatting widespread corruption in the country.

Matsebula bemoans the pervasive grip of influential and untouchable figures armed with substantial financial resources, which he says make it an uphill battle to reprimand those found with their hands in the cookie jar and instigate meaningful change.

Formidable
The AG said he felt it was important that the nation knows that he grapples with formidable challenges in executing his duties, emphasising that the prevalence of influential figures complicates the process of exposing and holding wrongdoers accountable.

“There are way too many corrupt and powerful people in our country,” he said, disclosing the intricacies of his struggles in combating corruption.

He underscored the nexus between wealth and corruption, disclosing an alarming occurrence from the past year when he was given the green light by Cabinet to initiate forensic investigations, only to then be ‘disturbed’.

Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg wrote a letter to the AG on January 6, 2023 notifying him of an E8 million approval to engage forensic auditors to undertake specialised audits as per recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Cabinet.

The only forensic audit that ultimately proceeded as planned was the one on alleged irregularities in the requisition, acquisition and distribution of medicinal drugs to public health facilities, conducted by Funduzi Forensic Services, whose findings were made public last week.

“We couldn’t continue with the others because there are people who frustrated the process of instituting the forensic investigations, therefore, we saw it fit to halt them, as continuing could have been a waste of the public funds honestly,” said Matsebula.

Inflitrated
He highlighted the issue of interference, which he said, answered questions about the extent to which corruption had infiltrated all echelons of government.

Matsebula also pointed to instances where wrongdoers, anticipating investigations, actively destroyed evidence and falsified documents.

He disclosed that an investigating team encountered an attack en route to their inquiry, resulting in the theft of their laptops.

“This happened in one of the major towns in the middle of the day,” he stated, adding that this underscored the gravity of the investigations and the extent to which individuals are willing to go to safeguard their concealed misdeeds.

He, therefore, expressed his frustration at the lack of protection for his office, despite numerous pleas and statements to the effect that his life was in danger.

“I have on various occasions publicised the fact that I fear that my life is in danger, but till this day, I have no protection,” the AG said, emphasising the need for safeguarding, not only for himself but also for his dedicated team.

Probing
“It would be selfish and short-sighted to forget that these inherent threats posed by probing into the affairs of powerful individuals aren’t only on us as officials, but our families as well, therefore, that’s why I feel quite strongly about the issue of not being afforded protection,” he stated.

He also called for additional staff within his office, arguing that the current understaffing hinders their capacity to tackle the widespread corruption effectively.
“We are seriously understaffed and it is affecting our efficiency,” he complained.

Urging
Despite these challenges, Matsebula assured the public that he remains resolute in his commitment to the fight against corruption, urging cooperation from all stakeholders.

“My team and I are committed to this relentless pursuit, we are not giving up,” he stated.
In a plea for support, Matsebula addressed the complexities of navigating governmental structures, shining light on the fact that the pervasive influence of corruption within these systems remains a significant obstacle despite the progress made.

“The battle against corruption in the country stands at a critical juncture, and we plead for support from all stakeholders, including members of the public, because it is honestly only through their support that we can overcome the current hurdles and truly cleanse the nation's financial landscape,” the AG said.

In auditor’s general report, Matsebula exposed significant financial discrepancies across various government ministries.

One of the highlighted issues in the report pertains to the police service, where water and electricity bills have accumulated to a staggering E107 million.

Matsebula expressed worry over the 108 per cent increase in these expenditures since 2021, indicating a potential case of fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
He urged the police service to enhance monitoring and control of utility usage by officers and demanded an explanation for the substantial budget differences.

Missing
The report also brought to light a concerning revelation regarding elderly grants amounting to about E68 million missing since 2010 under the department of social welfare.

These funds, intended for distribution in constituencies, were not retired against wage advances, prompting Matsebula to call for an investigation into potential misappropriation.

The AG’s scrutiny extended to the Judiciary, uncovering anomalies in their financials, where an outstanding cash in transit of E161.9 million, coupled with questionable overtime allowances, sparked concerns about potential fraud risks.

The report also revealed that suspended officers in the Judiciary have cost the country E435 000 in salaries.

In light of this, Matsebula called attention to some of the officers who have been on suspension for more than seven years, raising questions about delayed criminal proceedings and the expenditure of taxpayers’ money on individuals who are not rendering any service to government.

A report by Transparency International ranks Eswatini among the most corrupt countries in the world, placing the kingdom 122nd out of 180 States and territories.

Corruption was also quite the topical issue during the People’s Parliament (Sibaya), where citizens resolutely championed the imperative for a prime minister of unassailable integrity to combat the nefarious specter of corruption.

In the speech from the throne, His Majesty King Mswati III acknowledged the deleterious impact of corruption on national progress, and urged government to prioritise decisive action against corruption, underscoring the imperativeness of accountability and harmonious cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

Recovery
In a resounding call, the King sought unity in the concerted effort to combat corruption, further calling for the establishment of an asset recovery unit to recover proceeds from criminal activities.
Following the monarch's proclamation, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini swiftly established an anti-corruption task force, directing it to promptly address corruption cases and ensure swift accountability for offenders.

The task team includes Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lomvula Hlophe, acting National Commissioner of Police Lydia Dlamini, and acting Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission Maphevu Mkhatshwa.

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