Mbabane – Local pharmaceutical supplier Avapharm has strongly denied allegations of procurement irregularities and reports of intended arrests of its management, describing the claims as “false and untrue.”
In a statement issued through its representative, Dave Melvin, the company said it is aware of reports suggesting that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) intends to apply for the arrest of certain individuals associated with the firm. Avapharm maintains that it has already provided “adequate and comprehensive responses” to all allegations and is prepared to “fight tooth and nail” against any criminal proceedings.
The company said it learned on Monday, October 20, 2025 (though it noted an apparent date error in the documents) of representations made to a local media outlet regarding the alleged arrest application. Avapharm said it had since made its own representations to the DPP to ensure a “balanced view” is considered before any action is taken.
Avapharm’s response cantres on allegations of payment and delivery irregularities, particularly under requisitions 2043 and 2042, which reportedly involved the supply of medical goods to the Central Medical Stores (CMS).
According to the company, an order under requisition 2043 was issued in March 2022, and delivery was successfully made. However, only a partial payment of E7.3 million was received. Avapharm claims that subsequent attempts to reconcile and receive full payment were complicated by CMS allegedly canceling some orders, citing unavailable funds, and later crediting the original invoice.
The company insists that it is still awaiting a final reconciliation and purchase order from CMS, arguing that any suggestion of non-delivery or irregularity is “misleading and unfounded.”Avapharm also addressed claims of a delivery shortfall of E132,521.17 under requisition 1374. The company said the alleged shortfall stemmed from a cancellation by CMS after the ordered drug was deemed no longer required.
It further acknowledged a minor pricing discrepancy involving the ‘T.L.O.’ item, priced at E58.80 instead of E59.48, but said this was later corrected under new requisitions 1375 and 1376, ensuring that delivery was completed as agreed.
A separate issue involves allegations related to the antiretroviral (ARV) drug procurement contract signed with the government in August 2021 for E61.19 million. Avapharm said the government mistakenly processed the payment as E97.07 million, resulting in an overpayment.
The company insists the error was a mutual accounting mistake that was promptly rectified, and the excess funds were reimbursed to the government. Avapharm maintains that this matter has been “fully settled” and should not be used to imply wrongdoing.
Avapharm reiterated that it has “nothing to hide” and will present a comprehensive statement in due course, possibly during court proceedings if the matter advances. The company emphasized that the current reports represent a “misrepresentation of facts” and urged the public not to draw conclusions based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
“We stand our ground and will defend ourselves vigorously, both publicly and legally,” the company declared in its statement.
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