The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has postponed the case against suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and three co-accused to 18 September 2026, as the State prepares to disclose its case to the defence.
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EWN reports that Mkhwanazi, Kgomotso Makhubo, Adrian Mackenzie and Kersha-Leigh Stols face charges linked to the alleged theft of precious stones valued at approximately R14.9 million from a property in Killarney, Johannesburg, in February 2023.
The State told the court that its investigations have been finalised and that the matter is trial-ready.
The defence, however, requires disclosure of the docket before the case can proceed. The court consequently postponed the matter to allow the defence to receive the State’s case.
Alleged bogus police raid
According to the State, the accused allegedly presented themselves as members of a law-enforcement team investigating suspected illegal activity before gaining access to the property.
Six boxes containing high-grade sugilite and manganese stones, valued at about R14.9 million, were allegedly taken during the operation.
EWN says the State further alleges that municipal police officers acted outside their lawful jurisdiction during the operation and that false representations were made about their authority.
Mkhwanazi has been accused of being the mastermind behind the operation, allegations he has repeatedly denied. The allegations against Mkhwanazi gained significant attention after testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
A protected witness known as Witness K, who is now also an accused in the criminal case, previously alleged that Mkhwanazi orchestrated the 2023 robbery.
She claimed that the stolen stones were later divided among those involved and that participants received money from the proceeds.
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Julius Mkhwanazi granted bail
Mkhwanazi and Makhubo were arrested in July as investigators moved to execute outstanding arrest warrants in the precious stones investigation.
According to IOL, Mkhwanazi was subsequently granted R5,000 bail, with his bail conditions including surrendering his passport, reporting to police and refraining from interfering with State witnesses.
The case has also changed since the arrests. Charges against businessman Etienne van der Walt, who was initially among the accused, were withdrawn. He has since turned State witness, according to reports.
Case due to return in September
The four accused are expected back before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on 18 September 2026. The proceedings will determine the next steps towards the eventual trial. The accused remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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