IPID arrests second suspect in Killarney precious stones theft

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested a second person in connection with the 2023 theft of precious stones from a Killarney home, north of Johannesburg.

Suspect hands himself in

The suspect handed himself in at the Edenvale police station on Sunday, 5 July and was detained by IPID. The arrest follows an earlier arrest on the preceding Friday of another person wanted in the case.

Charges and progress of the probe

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said investigations are continuing, and that two warrants of arrest have been effected while investigators are still pursuing a third suspect. The suspects are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 6 July.

The accused face charges that include corruption related to alleged unlawful search and seizure during the raid in which the stones were taken. When the investigation began, six people were implicated; one of those originally named has since died.

Who has been implicated

The accused include members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), the Gauteng Traffic Police, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and a businessman accused of impersonating a police officer during the raid. Named in testimony were EMPD officers Kersha-Leigh Stols and Aiden McKenzie, and private security officer Etienne van der Walt.

Links to Madlanga Commission testimony

The investigation has ties to testimony heard at the Madlanga Commission. Last month, a JMPD inspector testifying under the pseudonym Witness K told the commission that suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi allegedly orchestrated the theft because of financial difficulties. The commission heard that only a fraction of the stones worth R40 000 were later recovered.

Witness K told the commission that proceeds amounting to R110 000 were allegedly distributed among those involved, including Mkhwanazi, the two EMPD officers, and the private security officer.

Julius Mkhwanazi has denied any role, saying the operation was legitimate.

What happens next

IPID has arrest warrants outstanding for additional suspects and said further arrests are imminent as the probe continues.