IPID arrests suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi after day-long search
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi had been arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in connection with the alleged theft of precious stones worth R14.9 million.
Mkhwanazi was taken into custody in Bedfordview on Friday evening, following a day-long search by IPID officials and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), who had earlier attempted to locate him at his residence in Alberton.
His arrest marks the execution of the final outstanding warrant linked to the 2023 incident during which a group of suspects allegedly raided a property in Killarney and stole valuable stones without legal authority.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that five warrants of arrest had been issued in the case.
"A week ago, we only effected three warrants because we had to sort out the paperwork for the remaining two. So today we are effecting the two warrants of arrest."
According to Suping, the suspects are accused of unlawfully entering the property, with one allegedly impersonating a police officer while others operated outside their jurisdiction.
"There was theft of those precious stones, and they did not even register those exhibits after they seized them… at a police station."
Earlier on Friday, IPID also arrested a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer who had testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry Witness K.
She reportedly admitted involvement in the scheme and implicated Mkhwanazi as a central figure in the alleged plot.
Three other suspects appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court earlier this week on charges including robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Two were granted bail of R5,000 each, while charges against a third accused were withdrawn.
Mkhwanazi’s arrest adds to mounting legal troubles for the suspended deputy chief, who is already facing separate cases in the Boksburg and Germiston Magistrates’ courts.
These include allegations of fraud and misconduct linked to a court impersonation scheme and the controversial “blue lights” saga involving businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Mkhwanazi and Witness K are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court on Monday, where formal charges related to the Killarney theft case will be addressed.
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