Courts

MBABANE  - A 47-year-old Chinese national, who was arrested for producing a fraudulent Eswatini national ID card, claiming he was born in the kingdom, has pleaded guilty.

Chen Tianwang entered the plea during his appearance at the Mbabane Magistrates Court.

In the first count, Tianwang is accused of having made a statement or produced a fraudulent Eswatini national ID card with the personal number 8110196100563 at the Ministry of Home Affairs. He reportdly intended to obtain a travel document.

It is alleged that when he made this misrepresentation to the ministry, he knew very well that the document was not lawfully acquired and that he was not entitled to use it. As a result, he was charged with fraud.

Tianwang was also charged for being in possession of a travel document issued without lawful authority. Additionally, he faced charges of possessing an Eswatini national ID card issued without lawful authority.

Tianwang is reported to have produced the illegally obtained travel document and national ID card to a senior immigration officer at Ngwenya/Oshoek Border Gate to enter or exit the country on several occasions.

He will be sentenced on Wednesday. The accused is represented by Thulani Sibandze of S.V. Mdladla and Associates.

Chen Tianwang and his attorney Thulani Sibandze at Mbabane Magistrates Court.