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

Four South African police officers, including suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, are set to appear in Johannesburg Magistrate's Court in connection with the alleged theft of precious stones valued at R14.9 million. The incident reportedly occurred on February 11, 2023, in Killarney, Johannesburg, where the accused falsely identified themselves as a multidisciplinary law enforcement team to gain access to a property.

Prosecutors allege that the group assaulted the complainant, threatened occupants with firearms, and stole six boxes containing high-grade sugilite and manganese stones. The charges against Mkhwanazi, his former partner Inspector Witness K, EMPD officer Adrian MacKenzie, and former EMPD officer Kersha-Leigh Stols include robbery with aggravating circumstances and fraud.

The court previously heard that Mkhwanazi and Witness K had a romantic relationship, with Mkhwanazi allegedly orchestrating the robbery. The case was initially postponed to allow the State to finalize the docket, and the matter is due back in court on Friday for the closure of the docket.

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