04/07/2026
SUSPENDED EMPD OFFICIAL ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED R14.9 MILLION PRECIOUS STONES THEFT.
A suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) official was arrested in Benoni on Friday night in connection with the alleged theft of precious stones valued at approximately R14.9 million during a 2023 operation in Johannesburg.
The arrest is the latest breakthrough in an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigation that has been underway since 2023 and follows weeks of explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged corruption within law enforcement.
The case centres on a 2023 operation during which precious stones were allegedly stolen under the guise of a legitimate police intervention. The stones were later independently valued at about R14.9 million.
Evidence before the commission alleged that the operation was orchestrated by suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi. Mkhwanazi has denied wrongdoing.
A protected witness, identified only as Witness K, testified that the stolen stones were sold for R110,000. She told the commission the money was divided among five people at a car wash, with each allegedly receiving R22,000. Witness K said she kept her share and handed the remaining R88,000 to be distributed among the others.
Friday night's arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend everyone allegedly involved in the theft and the subsequent disposal of the precious stones.
The investigation has been led by IPID investigators Thulani Magagula and Nomsa Masuku, both of whom have testified before the Madlanga Commission. The Commission Recommended Task Team, the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Gauteng Tracking Team also participated in the operation that led to the arrest.
Authorities have not ruled out further arrests as investigators continue tracing the movement of the stolen precious stones and examining the roles of additional suspects.
