MBABANE:Prince Guduza, the Chairman of the Mines and Minerals Board who is wanted in China for allegedly smuggling the Malolotja Green Chert mineral might face a death penalty if apprehended and found guilty.
Sentences for corruption and fraud in China vary significantly based on the crime’s severity with penalties ranging from fines and short-term imprisonment to life imprisonment and, the death penalty for the most serious offenses.
But this Swaziland News reported earlier on Sunday morning that, Michael Lee Enterprises Director Steven Huiqiang Hu who operates the Malolotja Green Chert Mine has been arrested in China, Prince Guduza who allegedly assisted him to smuggle the mineral is wanted and might be arrested when visiting China or any country with diplomatic relations with China and willing to assist in apprehending the Eswatini Prince.
Documents sourced from China suggest that on or around 21st May 2025, Steven Huiqiang Hu was first detained by the Mawei Customs Anti-Smuggling Bureau of the People’s Republic of China in the city of Fuzhou-China’s Fujian Province.
But an investigation conducted by this publication uncovered pictures and travel information within the Chinese Immigration Department suggesting that, before the smuggling of the mineral, Steven Huiqiang Hu travelled with Prince Guduza to celebrate the awarding of a mining license in China.
Prince Guduza, the Chairman of the Mines and Minerals Board who is wanted in China for smuggling the mineral, declined to comment when this Swaziland News reached him for a comment but opted to insult this journalist for investigating the smuggling of the mineral.
On another note, this publication previously reported that, Prince Guduza allegedly colluded with Prince Lindani and the Chinese investors when smuggling the Green Chert mineral, Prince Lindani was allegedly bribed with a Bentley car with over R5million and cash amounting to millions, Lindani now owns three Bentley cars worth over R15million.
Michael Lee, the Director of Michael Enterprise Director released a press statement, denying the smuggling of the Green Chert mineral allegations but, this publication is in possession of pictures of the detained mineral and Chinese documents confirming investor Steven Huiqiang Hu’s arrest.
Eswatini has about 70% of the population living below the poverty line, State resources including minerals are allegedly looted by King Mswati, his brothers, sisters and those around him.
Mines and Minerals Board Chairman Prince Guduza(right) with one of Michael Lee Enterprises alleged Directors.