The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) arrested suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and Madlanga Commission witness K in connection with a R14.9 million precious stones heist, according to multiple reports. The arrests follow a series of warrant executions targeting suspects in the 2023 case, which involved a bogus police raid and alleged misappropriation of evidence.
Arrests Unfold in Multi-Million-Rand Precious Stones Case
Mkhwanazi, the alleged mastermind, was taken into custody in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, while witness K, an inspector with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) VIP Protection Unit, was arrested in Gauteng. Both face charges of fraud and theft linked to the case.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that investigators executed two outstanding warrants, having already secured three arrests in the matter. We initially had five warrants… and have now executed three. Today [Friday], we are executing the two outstanding warrants,
she said, per News24. Mkhwanazi, who had previously been detained in June 2026, was reportedly not at home when IPID arrived, though a child at the residence claimed he was absent, according to the same source.
Witness K’s role in the heist was detailed in testimony before the Madlanga Commission, where she admitted to participating in the unlawful seizure of stones from a Killarney flat. According to EWN, the gems—valued at R14.9 million—were later sold for just R110,000. The commission has since continued investigating corruption among law enforcement officials, with Mkhwanazi and witness K named as key players alongside businessman Etienne van der Walt, whose charges were later withdrawn.
Timeline of Arrests and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into the 2023 heist has seen a series of arrests, with IPID targeting suspects linked to the alleged bogus police raid. On Friday, the second suspect—believed to be Mkhwanazi—was detained in Kensington shortly before 8pm, as reported by IOL. A video circulating online shows Mkhwanazi being apprehended at a residential property, marking his fifth arrest in the case. Earlier that day, witness K was taken into custody, with IPID stating she was expected to be formally charged
at Germiston Police Station.
The case centers on the alleged mishandling of evidence after a raid on Pieter Prinsloo’s Killarney apartment, where six boxes of high-grade sugilite and manganese stones were reportedly stolen. According to News24, investigators found that the stones were not registered in the South African Police Service’s occurrence book, violating standard procedures. Mkhwanazi’s former girlfriend, witness K, had testified before the Madlanga Commission in June 2026, detailing her involvement in the raid.
Earlier suspects in the case include EMPD officer Adrian Mackenzie and former officer Kersha Leigh Stols, who were granted R5,000 bail in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. Both claimed they followed Mkhwanazi’s instructions during the raid, though they denied acting unlawfully. Meanwhile, van der Walt’s charges were withdrawn, per News24, though his role in the heist remains under scrutiny.
What This Means for the Madlanga Commission and Police Accountability
The arrests underscore the Madlanga Commission’s ongoing efforts to probe corruption within South African law enforcement. According to EWN, witness K’s testimony provided critical evidence that led to the arrests, highlighting the commission’s role in uncovering systemic issues.
What Comes Next in the Case
Both Mkhwanazi and witness K are expected to appear in court soon, with charges of fraud and theft linked to the alleged heist. IPID has not yet released a detailed statement on the next steps, but the agency’s spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, emphasized that investigators would regroup as a team and decide the way forward,
according to News24. The case remains under active investigation, with the Madlanga Commission continuing to examine claims of corruption among law enforcement officials.
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