Second suspect arrested as R14.9m precious stones investigation intensifies

A man believed to be Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of precious stones worth R14.9 million.

The arrest comes hours after the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) confirmed that a second suspect had been taken into custody as part of its ongoing investigation.

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the second suspect was arrested at a house in Kensington shortly before 8pm on Friday.

“The second suspect has finally been arrested at a house in Kensington just before 8pm. He will also be detained at the Germiston Police Station,” Suping said in a statement.

Although IPID did not identify the suspect by name, multiple reports have indicated that the man arrested is believed to be EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

The latest arrest comes hours after the detention of a 53-year-old man on Friday, identified only as “Witness K”, who was arrested by IPID investigators in connection with the same case.

The investigation is on the alleged theft of precious stones valued at R14.9 million. The stones were reportedly seized during a law enforcement operation but allegedly disappeared while in police custody.

IPID said the case involves allegations of theft and defeating the ends of justice.

The arrests form part of an ongoing investigation by the police watchdog into the disappearance of the precious stones, with investigators probing the role played by law enforcement officials in the handling of the evidence.

Both suspects are expected to be detained at the Germiston Police Station and are likely to appear in court soon on charges linked to the alleged theft.

IOL