The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) says it is in the process of securing arrest warrants for two additional suspects linked to the alleged theft of precious stones valued at R14.9 million during a fake police operation in Johannesburg in 2023. The development comes as investigators continue to expand the high-profile case.
The latest update follows the arrest of one suspect on Friday and the decision by a second suspect to hand themselves over to police on Sunday. A third suspect, who previously served as an officer with the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), is still being sought by authorities.
The two arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court. IPID alleges that officers posed as members of a legitimate multi-agency police operation before conducting an unlawful raid on a private home in Killarney without a search warrant.
IPID Investigation Centres On Alleged Fake Police Raid
The IPID investigation alleges that the operation was never a genuine law enforcement action but a carefully planned robbery. According to investigators, the precious stones stolen during the raid were later sold for only R110,000.
Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi remains a key figure in the investigation. IPID is also investigating three other matters in which he is allegedly implicated.
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Investigators say six individuals were allegedly involved in carrying out the operation. Following the death of one officer from natural causes in October 2025, five people remain under active investigation.
Precious Stones Case Involves Police Officers And Civilian
The precious stones case continues to focus on several individuals identified by IPID. They include a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) VIP Protection Unit inspector referred to by the pseudonym “Witness K”, EMPD constables Keisha Leigh Stols and Adrian Mackenzie, businessman Andy van der Walt and suspended deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
The alleged robbery was first brought to public attention during evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission. During her testimony, “Witness K” claimed she and Mkhwanazi allegedly knew beforehand that the operation was intended to be a robbery rather than a lawful police raid.
She further alleged that after the precious stones were sold for R110,000, the money was shared among those involved. According to her testimony, Mkhwanazi, Stols, Mackenzie and Van der Walt allegedly divided R88,000, while she retained R22,000.
More Arrests Expected As IPID Finalises Warrants
Despite being central figures in the allegations, neither Julius Mkhwanazi nor “Witness K” has been arrested. IPID says its investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue gathering evidence.
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IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed that arrest warrants are currently being prepared for two more suspects linked to the case. She did not indicate who the individuals are or when the warrants are expected to be executed.
It also remains uncertain whether the suspects who have already appeared before court will apply for bail. At this stage, it has not been confirmed whether the State intends opposing any future bail applications.
