Julius Mkhwanazi, co-accused due in court over alleged R14.9m precious-stones theft

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi and others are due to appear at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court as investigations continue into an alleged theft of precious stones valued at an estimated R14.9 million.

Who is charged and bail details

Mkhwanazi and an inspector in the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s VIP Protection Unit, identified in court papers as Witness K, were each granted R5,000 bail after being arrested in an intelligence-led operation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

Two former or serving EMPD officers, Adrian MacKenzie and Kersha-Leigh Stols, earlier faced charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and fraud and were each granted R5,000 bail in July.

Allegations in court

According to the State, the accused falsely identified themselves as members of a multidisciplinary law enforcement team made up of EMPD officials and members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). Prosecutors say the group claimed to be investigating suspected lithium smuggling to gain entry to a property.

The State alleges that the occupants were assaulted, threatened with firearms and that high-grade sugilite and manganese stones were taken. The stones are valued at an estimated R14.9 million. The State also alleges the accused acted outside the EMPD’s lawful jurisdiction while claiming authority to conduct law enforcement operations in the City of Johannesburg.

Testimony and denials

Witness K previously told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry that Mkhwanazi orchestrated a robbery in Killarney. She alleged that she and three others stole high-grade sugilite and manganese stones and that each received R110,000.

Mkhwanazi has denied the allegations contained in that testimony.

Other developments

The State withdrew charges against businessman Etienne van der Walt.

Next steps

Mkhwanazi, Witness K and the co-accused are due back in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court as the investigations proceed.