Mkhwanazi says salary, assets and R7m pension make him unlikely flight risk at bail hearing

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi told the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court that his ties to Gauteng, multimillion-rand assets and an expected pension of about R7 million make him an unlikely flight risk as he applies for bail in a case over alleged precious stones worth R14.9 million.

Key facts presented in court

Mkhwanazi said he has been employed with the EMPD since 2003 and that his monthly take-home pay is about R65,000. He told the court he has no other sources of income.

He said his immovable property is worth approximately R2.5 million, with a remaining debt to Standard Bank of about R2 million. He also disclosed household furniture and effects valued at around R300,000.

On his pension, Mkhwanazi stated: “I have been employed with the EMPD since 2003 and am due a considerable pension of around R7 million.” He added that he was aware he would lose those benefits if he fled.

Passport, health and personal ties

In an affidavit read by his lawyer, Shafique Sarlie, Mkhwanazi said he holds a passport issued on 18 August 2025, but that he had not used the passport and that it was currently in the State’s possession. He told the court he had travelled previously using an older passport.

Mkhwanazi said he considers Gauteng his permanent home and that he has deep social and family ties to the province. He also said he had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in about 2021 and was on chronic medication to manage that condition and other ailments.

Relationship and charges

The court heard that Mkhwanazi had been in a romantic relationship with a woman identified in court as Witness K; he said she was in love with him and hoped they would marry.

Mkhwanazi and Witness K were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). They face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and fraud in connection with the alleged theft of high-grade sugilite and manganese stones. Mkhwanazi has denied the claims.

State stance and procedural notes

State prosecutor Nceba Ntelwa told the court the prosecution would not oppose bail, saying the accused were not flight risks, had cooperated with the investigation and there was no indication they would evade trial or interfere with witnesses.

The source material states the accused were each granted R5,000 bail last week. The State withdrew charges against businessman Etienne van der Walt.

Witness K’s bail application

Witness K, represented by lawyer Oscar Thovhakale, told the court she is a 40-year-old single mother of three who has lived in her Alberton home for six years and is the registered owner of that property. She said she owns household furniture and equipment worth about R200,000 and a 2009 VW Polo valued at about R40,000.

She described herself as the breadwinner for her family and outlined the financial dependants who would be affected if she remained in custody. She also set out her employment history with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and her educational qualifications.

Next steps

Magistrate Annelise Tlhapi postponed the matter until Tuesday for closing arguments in the bail application and a ruling on bail.

Contact details in the source: [email protected]