Mkhwanazi precious stones case postponed as State prepares evidence disclosure

The criminal case against suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and three co-accused has been postponed to 18 September in the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court.

The postponement will allow the State to prepare and disclose its case to the defence in connection with an alleged bogus police raid in Killarney in 2023.

Mkhwanazi, Keisha-Leigh Stols, Adrian Mackenzie and Kgomotso Makhubo face charges stemming from the alleged raid, during which the State claims six boxes containing high-grade sugilite and manganese stones worth approximately R14.9 million were stolen from a flat.

The accused face a Schedule 6 charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances, as well as fraud-related charges.

According to the State, municipal officers allegedly acted outside their jurisdiction during the operation, while one former co-accused allegedly impersonated a police officer.

The allegations paint a picture of an operation allegedly disguised as a legitimate police raid, with the precious stones subsequently disappearing.

The case gained further public attention after details of the alleged robbery emerged during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of corruption and criminality within South Africa's law-enforcement structures.

Former co-accused Etienne van der Walt has since turned State witness in the precious stones matter.

Van der Walt is also a State witness in a separate murder case involving Emmanuel Mbense.

The State's decision to rely on Van der Walt as a witness could become significant as prosecutors build their case against the remaining accused.

For now, the defence is awaiting disclosure of the evidence, which is expected to provide greater detail about the alleged raid, the roles of the accused and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the precious stones.

The matter returns to the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court on 18 September, when the State is expected to proceed with the disclosure of its case to the defence.

The accused remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.