Africa-Press – Eswatini. Robert Biyela,the Commissioner of Mines has been suspended for allegedly issuing a fraudulent mining license to SALT(Pty)Ltd, a company with alleged links to Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela.
The suspension comes after investigation unit exposed how the Minister, his daughter Princess Simile, Zambian son-in law husband Darlington Mwape and a royal syndicate colluded to steal a multibillion kaolin clay mineral at Mashobeni.
It has been disclosed that, shortly after the publication article, King Mswati demanded answers and it was gathered that,the illegal license was issued by Robert Biyela,the Commissioner of Mines without the approval of the King.
The mining license that was not approved by the King was issued to SALT(Pty) Ltd, a company allegedly owned by Prince Lonkhokhela’s daughter Princess Simile.
Commissioner of Mines Robert Biyela declined to comment when reached for comments.
Percy Simelane,the King’s Spokesperson referred comments to the Spokesperson or Chairman of the Mines and Minerals Board with regards to the alleged ‘back door’ mining license.
“The Minerals Board has its Spokesperson,the Chairman.He is in a better position to respond to the allegations of the “back door” license issuance to mine kaolin at Mashobeni.Our experience is that by the time the King approves a license of this nature and signs, checks and balances are completed to the satisfaction of the Mining Board.We believe if a mistake was made,it would be the Board that squares up to it speedily so that we all end up with uncontaminated procedure as a country”, said the King’s Spokesperson.
It is alleged that Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela allegedly masterminded the illegal mining less than six(6) months after being appointed into Cabinet.
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