Two suspects accused of stealing precious stones worth nearly R15 million have been granted bail of R5,000 each by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
EMPD officer Adrian McKenzie and his former colleague, Kersha Leigh Stols, face charges linked to the alleged theft of the valuable stones from an apartment in Killarney in 2023.
Magistrate Annalise Tlhapi ordered that both accused be released on strict bail conditions.
“The accused may not communicate with any witnesses in this matter, directly or indirectly. They may not interfere with or intimidate any witnesses, and both accused must surrender their passports,” the magistrate ruled.
The court also ordered McKenzie and Stols to report to their nearest police stations — Nigel and Meyerton respectively — every Monday between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm for the duration of their bail.
In a separate development, the State withdrew all charges against security businessman Etienne van der Walt following representations made to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Van der Walt’s legal representative, Peter Jay, confirmed the decision.
“I confirm my appearance on behalf of accused number two. We made representations to the DPP, and the matter has been withdrawn against my client,” he said.
The case against the remaining accused has been postponed to 25 August 2026 to allow for further police investigations.
