Lobamba – The Ministry of Defence is investigating a surge in accidents involving army vehicles, with records showing 85 incidents and more than 42 vehicles written off due to mechanical faults.
Principal Secretary Prince Sicalo told the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday that preliminary findings suggest unqualified officers obtained driving authorisation through relatives, contributing to the rise in accidents.
Sicalo declined to share further details of the ongoing probe, saying that revealing information could alert those responsible. He assured MPs that all officers found liable would face consequences.
Addressing claims that some army personnel resist external oversight, Sicalo said accountability is mandatory under legislation assented to by His Majesty the King. He added that measures have been introduced to reduce similar incidents in future.
PAC members called on the PS to expedite the investigation and ensure officers responsible reimburse the state for repairs, noting that no payments have been made to date.
Discussion about this post