Julius Mkhwanazi, three others due in court over alleged R14.9m precious stones theft

The Johannesburg Magistrates' Court is expected to hear the latest developments in the case against suspended EMPD deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi and three others accused of stealing precious stones worth R14.9 million.

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi , his former romantic partner and two other current and former EMPD officers are due to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court in connection with the alleged theft of precious stones valued at R14.9 million.

The case was postponed in August to allow the State to finalise the docket.

Mkhwanazi, his former partner, an inspector in 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 are facing charges arising from the alleged robbery.

According to the State, the incident took place on February 11, 2023, in Killarney, Johannesburg.

Prosecutors allege that the four falsely identified themselves as members of a multidisciplinary law enforcement team comprising EMPD officials and members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to gain access to a property.

They allegedly claimed they were investigating suspected lithium smuggling to gain access to a property.

The State alleges the group then assaulted the complainant, threatened occupants with firearms and stole six boxes containing high-grade sugilite and manganese stones, valued at an estimated R14.9 million.

Prosecutors further allege that the four acted outside the EMPD's lawful jurisdiction while falsely claiming they were authorised to conduct law enforcement operations in the City of Johannesburg.

The arrests of Mkhwanazi and Witness K followed testimony by MacKenzie and Stols, who allegedly told investigators that they had acted on Mkhwanazi's instructions.

Witness K previously told the Madlanga Commission that Mkhwanazi orchestrated the robbery.

She alleged that she and three other people stole the high-grade sugilite and manganese stones and that each person received R110,000 for their efforts.

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.

Mkhwanazi and Witness K were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).