Key Takeaways
- Julius Mkhwanazi, suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), is accused of ordering two officers to raid a private Rosebank flat and steal sugilite minerals valued at R14.9 million in February 2023.
- During testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Mkhwanazi claimed the raid was a joint operation involving EMPD, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and Gauteng Traffic Department, but later retracted that statement when pressed for evidence.
- Affidavits, CCTV footage and IPID interviews show that only the two EMPD constables—Kasher Leigh‑Stolls and Adrian Mackenzie—entered the premises, accompanied by a civilian, Etienne van der Walt, contradicting the joint‑operation narrative.
- The victim, flat‑owner Peter Prinsloo, identified the stolen minerals in an evidence bag, estimated their worth at roughly R40 000 recovered, while maintaining that the majority of the stones remain missing and filing a civil claim for R45 million against the City of Ekurhuleni.
- IPID investigators continue to probe the incident; senior investigator Thulani Magagula testified that some stones were later found in Mackenzie’s vehicle, which he claimed were “just for decoration.”
Background of the Allegations
Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), faces serious accusations that he directed two metro officers to carry out an armed robbery at a private residence in Rosebank. The alleged crime occurred in February 2023 and involved the theft of sugilite minerals—precious stones estimated to be worth R14.9 million. The matter came to light when Mkhwanazi testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, a body established to examine alleged misconduct within Gauteng law‑enforcement agencies. His testimony was prompted by questions about whether the operation that led to the theft fell inside Ekurhuleni’s jurisdiction and whether it was properly authorised.
Mkhwanazi’s Initial Version of Events
When first questioned by the Commission, Mkhwanazi described the raid as a joint operation involving three agencies: the EMPD, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and the Gauteng Traffic Department. He said the initiative followed a complaint lodged by the late Gauteng traffic deputy chief inspector, Guzuzu Gerald Maseko, who alleged that suspects were advertising fake stones on social media and defrauding members of the public. According to Mkhwanazi, he and Maseko drove together to the Rosebank flat, parked outside, and waited while their teams interrogated suspects inside the apartment. He asserted that he had deployed constables Kasher Leigh‑Stolls and Adrian Mackenzie to carry out the operation.
Retraction Under Scrutiny
The Commission pressed Mkhwanazi on how an operation involving only two EMPD officers could be legitimately labelled a joint effort without demonstrable participation from the JMPD or Gauteng Traffic. Under this questioning, Mkhwanazi retracted his earlier claim, admitting that he could not provide evidence that other agencies were actually present or involved. This retreat opened the door to doubts about whether the joint‑operation story was fabricated to give the raid an appearance of lawful legitimacy.
Evidence Contradicting the Joint‑Operation Claim
Advocate Mehlape Sello, the evidence leader for the Commission, presented documentation that directly challenged Mkhwanazi’s version. Warrant Officer Bethuel Mulaudzi of the Rosebank police station affirmed in an affidavit that Leigh‑Stolls and Mackenzie had signed in at the station to work locally on a business‑robbery trace in Nigel, not on a precious‑stones investigation. Furthermore, statements taken from the two constables indicated that they were the only officers who entered the flat, accompanied solely by a civilian identified as Etienne van der Walt. No records showed any JMPD or Gauteng Traffic officers participating, undermining the notion of a multi‑agency operation.
Accusations of Fabrication
Sello went further, accusing Mkhwanazi of deliberately concocting the joint‑operation narrative to legitimise the actions of Leigh‑Stolls and Mackenzie. She highlighted that Mkhwanazi had invoked the deceased Maseko as a witness who could no longer contradict his story, suggesting a tactical reliance on a unavailable source. Sello characterised this as “truly concerning,” arguing that the fabricated account was intended to shield the officers from responsibility for what appeared to be an unlawful armed robbery.
IPID’s Perspective and Concerns About Collusion
Co‑commissioner Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC expressed unease over how Mkhwanazi and Mackenzie had dealt with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). Khumalo noted that, during IPID’s initial interviews, neither officer mentioned that Mkhwanazi had been present at the Rosebank address; IPID only became aware of his possible involvement after reviewing CCTV footage that showed a white vehicle parked outside the premises and Mackenzie walking toward it. When confronted, Mkhwanazi conceded that he had omitted his presence from his first IPID statement. Khumalo warned of a pattern of mutual protection among Mkhwanazi, Mackenzie and Leigh‑Stolls, questioning why the trio consistently appeared to shield one another from accountability.
Mkhwanazi’s Defence and Hope for Resolution
In response, Mkhwanazi reiterated his denial of wrongdoing, stating, “I am denying what you are saying.” He shifted focus to the missing minerals, asking where the stones, the possessor, and the current holder could be found. He expressed confidence that the ongoing IPID investigation, led by senior investigator Thulani Magagula, would eventually uncover the truth about the stones’ whereabouts and any criminal liability.
The Victim’s Account and Civil Action
Peter Prinsloo, the owner of the Rosebank flat, filed a criminal complaint against Leigh‑Stolls and Mackenzie, alleging that they unlawfully entered his home, impersonated police officers, and removed six boxes of sugilite minerals. Prinsloo estimated the market value of the stolen stones at approximately R14,926,412. He later identified some of the minerals in an evidence bag (PA 4004203507) presented at the Benoni police station, valuing that recovered portion at roughly R40,000, while stressing that a significant quantity remained missing. Prinsloo emphasized that he never authorised anyone to take his property or to intimidate him. Consequently, he has instituted a civil claim against the City of Ekurhuleni, seeking R45 million in damages for the loss and the alleged misconduct of municipal police employees.
IPID’s Follow‑up Findings
During his testimony before the Commission, IPID senior investigator Thulani Magagula revealed that the EMPD had been aware of the incident even before Prinsloo’s civil litigation commenced. Magagula disclosed that, following Mackenzie’s arrest, some of the sugilite stones were recovered from his vehicle. Mackenzie allegedly conceded that the stones belonged to him and remarked that they were “just for decoration.” This admission added a tangible link between the accused officer and the stolen minerals, although the total volume recovered still fell far short of the alleged loss.
Continuing Proceedings
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry continues to hear Mkhwanazi’s testimony, with further questioning expected to clarify the extent of his involvement, the legitimacy of the operation, and the possible motives behind the alleged theft. Meanwhile, IPID’s investigation proceeds, aiming to determine whether criminal charges will be laid against the officers involved and whether any systemic failures within the EMPD permitted such conduct. The outcome will have significant implications for accountability within Gauteng’s law‑enforcement structures and for the victim’s pursuit of restitution.