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ARMY PROBES DRUGS THEFT, BRIBERY CLAIMS

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MANZINI - There are intensive internal criminal investigations that are being carried out within the UEDF.


In fact, the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) is investigating cases of two male soldiers who were caught red-handed stealing drugs from the military medical clinic at Phocweni Army Barracks and claims of civilians who were allegedly conned by a senior female soldier. The claims are to the effect that the senior female officer allegedly swindled members of the public their monies by promising them jobs in the army.


Sources close to the matter alleged that the two male members who are being investigated, were allegedly caught red handed stealing the drugs separately and in two different occasions.


They are said to have stolen large consignments of the drugs and by the look of things, the medical drugs were to be sold to other smaller clinics.
Sources close to the investigations said one of military men was allegedly caught during the month of December 2019, while the other was found stealing the pharmaceuticals in January this year.


Orders


The sources alleged that the duo was questioned separately after being caught stealing the drugs and they both claimed that they were working under orders from a senior army official.


According to https://www.stripes.com, the military health centre at Phocweni Army Barracks was established to mainly provide HIV/AIDS testing and counselling services and it has a pharmacy that provides drugs to patients infected with HIV and tuberculosis (TB).


The report also revealed that even though this was a military medical clinic, about 10 years ago, about 60 per cent of its clientele were civilians. The sources alleged that the drugs that were allegedly found in the possession of the members of the UEDF when they were caught included antiretroviral (ARVs), which are used to suppress HIV in the body.


Another common drug which the sources alleged that was part of those which were allegedly stolen by the military men was amoxicillin, which is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria. This drug is mainly used to treat many different types of infection caused by bacteria, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and infections of the ear, nose, throat, skin, or urinary tract.


“Diclofenic, a drug which is used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, is also among the drugs which were found in the possession of the soldiers,” the sources alleged.


Commonly


They said another one was cipro, which is also known a ciprofloxacin, which was a brand name prescription antibiotic medication and was commonly used to treat infections caused by bacteria.


The sources also alleged that as a result of the theft of the aforementioned drugs among others, the military clinic allegedly ran out of some of the medication, something which forced the medical practitioners at the health centre to ask their patients to purchase the drugs at pharmacies.


On the other hand, the sources said regarding the cases of bribery, the army has reports that suggest that a senior female army officer allegedly conned about seven members of the public a sum of approximately E90 000 by promising them jobs in the defence force. The sources alleged that the senior female army official in question allegedly committed the offences between 2017 and 2018.


They alleged that the army only learnt about these incidents after the allegedly conned members of the public approached the military and reported the cases. However, the sources alleged that information regarding how the senior female army official received the money was kept a top secret in the defence force.
The UEDF Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo said the two matters this publication was referring to were under internal investigations.


Outcome


“Unfortunately, the UEDF cannot and will not be in a position to disclose the stand and outcome of the alleged cases because such information is classified,” she said.


The PRO added that the UEDF did not condone malpractices. 
It is worth noting that during the month of November 2019, the National Chief Defence Officer, Prince Hlangusemphi, launched the army’s Health and Wellness Policy at the barracks which houses the military medical clinic. During the launch of the policy, he pleaded with international partners like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and University Research Co. (URC) to continue supporting the military as it sought to improve its health services.


Among the international partners who contributed financially and technically, is the United States Department of Defence (USDOD). On the other hand, the Ministry of Health also offers guidance in the area of standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).


On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that bribe-for-jobs is a criminal offence and a number of members of the UEDF, including senior officials, have appeared in court for this offence.

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