Precious stones theft case postponed to 16 July for bail application

Two suspects arrested in connection with the alleged 2023 theft of precious metals and stones worth just under R15-million have made their first appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officer Adrian MacKenzie and businessman Etienne van der Walt were arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) at the weekend. The arrests follow testimony at the Madlanga Commission where Witness K alleged that she, suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and four others raided an apartment in Killarney, Johannesburg, and

removed the precious metals and stones. The two suspects made a brief appearance in the dock before their case was postponed to the 16th of July for a formal bail application. Both Mackenzie and van der Walt will remain in custody at the Benoni Police Station until then. According to IPID, the pair are part of a group of six who allegedly removed the precious stones from an apartment in killarney in February 2023 on behalf of a third party. Testimony before the Madlanga Commission

alleges that the six were paid R110 000 by the third party following the alleged theft. The money was then divided equally among the suspects. Suspects linked to R14m precious stones theft appear in court

Precious stones theft, Adrian MacKenzie, Etienne van der Walt, IPID, EMPD, Julius Mkhwanazi, Madlanga Commission, Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court, Benoni Police Station, bail application, Killarney, February 2023, R15-million, R110 000