A key witness who previously testified before the Madlanga Commission has been arrested in connection with the alleged R14.9 million precious stones robbery linked to suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi.
The suspect, known publicly as “Witness K”, was arrested by police in Alberton, Gauteng, on Friday.
Witness K Arrested In R14.9 Million Precious Stones Robbery Case
Witness K, an inspector attached to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s VIP Protection Unit, is alleged to be connected to the 2023 robbery involving high-grade sugilite and manganese stones.
Her arrest marks the latest development in the ongoing investigation into the high-profile case.
The matter remains before the courts and further legal proceedings are expected.
Witness K Previously Implicated Julius Mkhwanazi At Madlanga Commission
While giving evidence before the Madlanga Commission, Witness K alleged that Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi orchestrated the robbery.
She claimed that she, Mkhwanazi and three other individuals carried out the operation and later shared in the proceeds.
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According to her testimony, each participant allegedly received R110,000 following the theft.
Mkhwanazi has denied the allegations made against him and has not been arrested in connection with the robbery.
Robbery Case Returns To Court In August
The arrest follows the recent release on bail of EMPD officer Adrian MacKenzie and former EMPD officer Kersha-Leigh Stols.
The pair were each granted R5,000 bail by the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and fraud.
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The case is scheduled to return to court on 25 August as investigations continue.
This is a developing story.
