Julius Mkhwanazi expected to return before Madlanga Commission after fresh allegation surface

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police (EMPD) chief Julius Mkhwanazi is expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday after explosive testimony linked him to the alleged theft of precious stones valued at approximately R14.9 million.

A protected witness, identified only as Witness K, told the commission that Mkhwanazi allegedly orchestrated the theft from a residence in Killarney, Johannesburg, while serving as Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief.

Witness K claims that at the time, she was in a relationship with Mkhwanazi, whom she said was experiencing financial difficulties.

The witness claimed the operation was carried out with the assistance of officers Norman MacKenzie and Kesha Leigh Stols under the guise of a lawful police seizure conducted outside the metro police department's jurisdiction.

Witness K, a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, testified that she participated in the operation and alleged that Mkhwanazi was the mastermind behind the scheme.

She further told the commission that the officers involved were captured on video footage at the property where the precious stones were allegedly taken.

Mkhwanazi is expected to face questions on these and other allegations as the commission continues its investigation into claims of criminality, corruption and abuse of power within law enforcement structures.