BENONI, EKURHULENI — An Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officer has been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of precious metals and stones worth R14 million, a case that has been heavily scrutinized during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The breakthrough arrest in Benoni follows explosive testimony regarding a staged police operation in Johannesburg and potential links to a high-profile murder.
The suspended EMPD official was detained at a Benoni police station following a coordinated operation involving the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), a tactical response team, and the Madlanga task team—recently renamed the Commission’s Recommendations Task Team by the South African Police Service (SAPS). When questioned by reporters about his innocence as he was being detained, the suspect stated he had “nothing to say.” He is expected to be transferred to another police station and make his first court appearance on Monday.
The R14 million heist occurred in 2023 at an apartment in the Killarney/Rosebank area of Johannesburg. According to testimony provided at the Madlanga Commission, the theft was staged to look like a legitimate police operation but was, in fact, a robbery. The stolen precious metals and stones were subsequently sold for significantly less than their actual market value.
The arrest stems directly from the testimony of “Witness K,” who revealed she is the former girlfriend of suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi. She detailed how she and Mkhwanazi allegedly plotted the theft. Investigators have also highlighted that WhatsApp exchanges have become crucial evidence in the ongoing probe.
IPID director Tulani Makakula and Nomsa Masuku were present at the scene of the arrest. Both previously testified at the Madlanga Commission regarding the investigation. Masuku detailed the severe challenges she faced while handling sensitive documentation, which tragically resulted in her son being shot and left wheelchair-bound after he was driving her to work.
The investigation into the stolen precious metals may also yield a breakthrough in the murder of Emmanuel (referred to in the proceedings under various transcriptions, including Emmanuel Mbense. Witness D, who was assassinated outside his home in December 2025, had previously testified that Mkhwanazi instructed him to dump Emmanuel’s body in a dam after the victim was allegedly tortured by EMPD officials. Authorities understand that the newly arrested EMPD officer is also being probed for his alleged involvement or presence at the scene of this murder.
While one officer is in custody, IPID is actively searching for two additional suspects. The specific positions of these individuals within the police force have not been disclosed to avoid tipping them off.
These developments come just days before the anniversary of the press conference given by the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, an event that initially sparked the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
