Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi is expected to return to the Madlanga Commission today, where he will be questioned about allegations involving stolen precious stones, bribes linked to blue-light escorts, and corruption within the metro police service.
His testimony comes after explosive evidence presented by Witness K, a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) VIP protection unit inspector and Mkhwanazi’s former romantic partner, who implicated him in a series of alleged unlawful activities involving police officials and private security operators.
The commission heard that Witness K was involved in the theft of precious stones valued at R14.9 million in 2023. During her testimony, she revealed that she had been in a romantic relationship with Mkhwanazi and had provided him with financial support.
According to Witness K, Mkhwanazi approached her for information regarding illegally stored precious stones at a block of flats in Killarney. She told the commission that she later received information from an informant about the stones, which were identified as sugilite, a rare semi-precious mineral.
Witness K alleged that the information led to what she described as a staged police operation in which the stones were seized. However, she testified that the stones were subsequently stolen from the apartment and handed over to the informant. She further claimed that the informant paid her R1 million for her role in the operation.
The allegations form part of a wider investigation by the Madlanga Commission into alleged criminality, corruption, and abuse of power within the EMPD.
The commission has also heard claims that Mkhwanazi drafted unauthorized Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that allegedly benefited controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, raising further questions about the relationship between law enforcement officials and individuals accused of operating within criminal networks.
Mkhwanazi is expected to respond to the allegations levelled against him when he takes the stand.
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