ACTING RSTP CEO GETS DEATH THREATS

MANZINI - The Acting Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) CEO Dr Andile Metfula is reportedly receiving death threats.

The acting chief executive officer (CEO) has less than a month in office as he was appointed into this position on August 1, 2024, after former RSTP CEO Vumile Dlamini’s contract was not renewed. According to a source close to the matter, after his appointment as acting CEO of RSTP, there were some fears regarding his safety and this was based on some developments which were purportedly taking place regarding his promotion and other work-related issues. As a result, the source said precautionary security measures were undertaken and mainly, they included assigning one of the security officers stationed at RSTP to be his chauffer. He said in the late afternoon of Thursday August 15, 2024, the security officer purportedly received a call from an unknown number, which left a threatening message.

Target

According to the source, the caller posed a question to the security officer; “Uyati yini kutsi inyoni nayidutjulwa ishaywa neligala layo (Do you know that a person who is next to a target usually also get what is directed to the main target).”The source said the following morning, the security officer reported the matter to the acting CEO. He said the security officer also highlighted that when he analysed the statement of the anonymous caller, the main target was Dr Metfula and he (security officer) was the one who was at risk of getting what would be directed to the RSTP boss. After receiving this information, the source said the acting CEO reported the threats to Matsapha Police Station commander’s office.

He added that the security officer also went to Matsapha Police Station to officially report the matter and record a statement. Meanwhile, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said so far, they did not have the matter in their records. However, Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Phesheya Dube, confirmed the matter. He said the ministry had been made aware of disturbing death threats against Dr Metfula and the security officer. He said these threats were gravely concerning and being taken seriously by the ministry.  He said the safety and security of their personnel were of paramount importance.

Therefore, he said the ministry was committed to ensuring that Dr Metfula, along with all other officials, were protected from any harm. “We have engaged with the relevant security authorities to enforce necessary security measures in safeguarding Dr Metfula, RSTP and his support staff, to avert any potential threats,” the PS said.  The ministry urged the public to respect the work of their officials and allow them to continue with their duties without fear of intimidation or violence. He added that the ministry was monitoring the situation closely and would take any necessary additional steps required to ensure the safety of Dr Metfula and his officers.Moreover, he said he appealed on behalf of the ministry to anyone who might have information that might assist in the investigation of these threats to report to law enforcement agencies.
He said the ministry believed in upholding the rule of law at all times.

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