Swaziland PM Accused of Paying Over R2 Million to Zimbabwean Fugitives for Using Them as State Intelligence Agents
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini is facing serious allegations of misusing state resources by employing Zimbabwean fugitives as his personal intelligence operatives.
Reports suggest that over R2 million in public funds was spent on three Zimbabwean nationals who now hold Swazi diplomatic passports, allegedly obtained with the help of Home Affairs Minister Princess Lindiwe.
The scandal has raised concerns over national security, as these individuals are accused of handling sensitive government matters and even having access to state intelligence information.
Diplomatic Passports for Alleged Fugitives
According to Swaziland News, investigations reveal that Elvis Mugari, Kudakwashe Muchero Male, and Simbarashe Muchero Male—all of whom are wanted in Zimbabwe—were granted diplomatic passports, effectively giving them ambassadorial status.
This move was reportedly orchestrated by PM Dlamini and Princess Lindiwe, his close political ally.
Swaziland PM Accused of Using Zimbabwean Fugitives as State Intelligence Agents (Image Credit: X @EswantiGovern1)One of the fugitives, Elvis Mugari, now holds Swazi diplomatic passport number 20002600. Records indicate that on January 17, 2025, at 6:42 PM, he left eSwatini using this passport, granted to him despite warnings from the State Intelligence Unit about his questionable credibility.
Fugitives Allegedly Influenced PM’s “Cabal” Claims
The three fugitives allegedly presented an intelligence report to PM Dlamini, warning him of a supposed cabal plotting to remove him from power. Acting on their advice, the PM publicly claimed that a political conspiracy was underway, first during an interview with Swazi Observer editor Mbongeni Mbingo, and later in Parliament.
When Senator Siphelele Mkhonta challenged the PM to name those behind the alleged conspiracy, he failed to provide any names, further casting doubt on the legitimacy of his intelligence sources.
Police Raised Concerns, But PM Ignored Warnings
Documents reveal that on November 3, 2024, a high-level meeting at the Mbabane Police Headquarters concluded that the three Zimbabweans should not be trusted. Senior police officers warned the PM that these individuals lacked proper intelligence training and had fabricated credentials.
Despite this, PM Dlamini reportedly insisted on working with them, citing a lack of trust in the State Intelligence Unit.
Fugitives Deny Allegations
When contacted for comment, Elvis Mugari denied being part of the PM’s intelligence team.
“I’m not part of the Prime Minister’s Intelligence Unit. I only know him through the newspapers. When I’m in eSwatini, I normally update my Zimbabwean passport and meet Lutfo Dlamini,” he said.
However, former Labour Minister Lutfo Dlamini dismissed Mugari’s claims, distancing himself from the controversy.
“He just came to introduce himself when attending the Biggest Braai, and I don’t know him outside that. If he’s involved in intelligence work, then he must stop using my name,” he stated.
Credibility of Fugitives in Question
Investigations uncovered that the three Zimbabweans lack any formal intelligence training. Their backgrounds paint a different picture:
- Elvis Mugari claims to be a political activist persecuted by Zimbabwe’s government.
- Kudakwashe Muchero Male has portrayed himself as a musician.
- Simbarashe Muchero Male previously falsely claimed to be a journalist working for the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and a correspondent for Bukedde TV, which does not exist.
These revelations have fueled speculation that the fugitives manipulated the PM’s office to gain diplomatic status, protection, and financial resources.
Growing Concerns Over National Security
The scandal has sparked public outrage, with critics accusing PM Dlamini of compromising national security. By entrusting sensitive state matters to undocumented foreign fugitives, his leadership has come under intense scrutiny.
Despite mounting pressure, PM Dlamini has yet to publicly address the allegations.