An Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer and a security company director have appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court in connection with the alleged robbery of precious stones valued at R14.9 million. Prosecutors claim the pair posed as members of a legitimate law enforcement operation to carry out the crime.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Adrian Norman Mackenzie, an EMPD official, and Etienne van der Walt are facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and fraud. The alleged incident took place at a property in Killarney, Johannesburg, on 11 February 2023.
According to the State, the complainant was robbed of six boxes containing high-grade sugilite and manganese stones during the operation. The accused remain in custody after their first court appearance.
Fake Police Raid Allegedly Used To Steal Precious Stones
The fake police raid forms the centre of the prosecution’s case against the two accused. NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said investigators allege the complainant was assaulted before the stones were taken.
“It is alleged that the accused assaulted the complainant and, while armed with firearms, threatened to inflict grievous bodily harm before taking possession of the precious stones,” Mohlatlole said.
The State further alleges that Mackenzie, another EMPD official and civilian co-accused falsely claimed they were members of a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team made up of EMPD officers and members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation investigating alleged lithium smuggling.
“These representations were false and were intended to induce the complainant into believing that a legitimate law enforcement operation was being conducted,” Mohlatlole said.
“The state alleges that the true purpose of the operation was to unlawfully deprive the complainant of the precious stones.”
Mohlatlole added that the EMPD officials were allegedly operating beyond the boundaries of their lawful jurisdiction, which is confined to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
Bail Hearing Set As Madlanga Commission Evidence Continues
The precious stones robbery has featured extensively before the Madlanga Commission. Evidence presented to the commission has linked the alleged robbery to suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and officers who allegedly operated under his command.
The case was postponed until 16 July for formal bail applications. Both Mackenzie and Van der Walt remain behind bars pending the hearing.
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In June, a former EMPD inspector, identified before the commission as Witness K, testified behind a concealed camera. She alleged that Mkhwanazi and officers under his command carried out the Killarney robbery while pretending to conduct an official police operation.
Julius Mkhwanazi Denies Robbery Allegations
The Julius Mkhwanazi investigation has expanded beyond the Killarney robbery. CCTV footage shown before the Madlanga Commission reportedly placed several of his senior subordinates and private security personnel at the scene.
Mkhwanazi, who testified before the commission over several months, denied instructing anyone to commit the robbery. He also rejected allegations that officers under his command were involved in unlawful operations.
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The commission has additionally heard claims linking the unit to alleged kidnappings, extortion, copper theft in Meyerton and the installation of blue lights on vehicles allegedly connected to suspected crime figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Mkhwanazi was suspended by the City of Ekurhuleni in 2025. He was arrested in April this year on charges including fraud, corruption and defeating the ends of justice before later being released on bail.
