Julius Mkhwanazi and three others to appear in Johannesburg court over alleged R14.9m precious-stones theft

Who is charged and their bail status

The accused include Julius Mkhwanazi, his former romantic partner, an inspector from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s VIP Protection Unit who was identified as Witness K at the Madlanga Commission, EMPD officer Adrian MacKenzie and former EMPD officer Kersha-Leigh Stols.

All four are out on R5,000 bail each.

Allegations and how the State says the theft happened

The State alleges the incident occurred on 11 February 2023 in Killarney, Johannesburg. Prosecutors say the group falsely identified themselves as members of a multidisciplinary law enforcement team that included EMPD officials and members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to gain access to a property.

According to the State, the accused told occupants they were investigating suspected lithium smuggling, then assaulted the complainant, threatened occupants with firearms and removed six boxes containing high-grade sugilite and manganese stones with an estimated value of R14.9 million. The State further alleges the four acted outside the EMPD’s lawful jurisdiction while claiming they were authorised to conduct law enforcement operations in the City of Johannesburg.

Evidence and testimony

The arrests of Mkhwanazi and Witness K followed testimony by MacKenzie and Stols, who allegedly told investigators they had acted on Mkhwanazi’s instructions. Witness K previously told the Madlanga Commission that Mkhwanazi orchestrated the robbery and that she and three others stole the stones, with each person allegedly receiving R110,000 for their role.

Mkhwanazi has denied the allegations. The court previously heard that Mkhwanazi and Witness K had been in a romantic relationship; Mkhwanazi told the court he was in love with her and hoped they would marry.

Arrests, related charges and case status

Mkhwanazi and Witness K were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and were each granted R5,000 bail. Stols and MacKenzie face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and fraud and were granted R5,000 bail in July.

The State has withdrawn charges relating to the incident against businessman Etienne van der Walt.

The matter was postponed in August to allow the State to finalise the docket. The case is due back in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, according to IOL.

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