EKURHULENI, Gauteng — EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested in connection with the theft of precious stones valued at nearly R15 million (R14.9 million). The high-profile apprehension marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, culminating in the successful execution of all five outstanding warrants of arrest linked to the case.
The operation, which commenced at approximately 3:00 p.m., involved intensive, intelligence-driven maneuvers by law enforcement agencies. Officers conducted door-to-door searches in a residential area near Kensington, acting on CCTV footage and tips that tracked a suspect vehicle. Local neighborhood security patrols also collaborated with investigators, ultimately leading police to a property just a few houses away from the initially suspected residence.
Upon identifying the suspect vehicle in a garage passage, officers swiftly gained entry and apprehended Mkhwanazi. An IP spokesperson confirmed that the deputy chief had been observing law enforcement movements from the property prior to his capture. When approached at the scene and asked if he had anything to say, Mkhwanazi replied, “No comment,” before being escorted into a police vehicle.
The arrest aligns with earlier statements from an IP spokesperson, who noted that authorities did not believe Mkhwanazi was actively on the run. Despite a brief period where direct contact was lost, investigators had been actively communicating with him through his legal team to facilitate the process.
Mkhwanazi is now in custody and will join “Witness K,” who was previously apprehended by law enforcement in Alberton earlier in the day. Both individuals are expected to make their first formal court appearance early next week, with Monday being the anticipated date, pending final confirmation by Sunday.
This development follows earlier criminal court proceedings in Johannesburg involving three other suspects linked to the syndicate. Of those, two were released on bail, and one had their charges dropped. With Mkhwanazi’s apprehension, all five warrants of arrest initially issued in connection with the R14.9 million precious stones theft have now been successfully executed, signaling a major step forward for the investigating authorities.
