Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Chief Julius Doctor Mkhwanazi has denied any involvement in the alleged R15 million precious stones robbery, arguing that the State’s case is built largely on contested evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
This is contained in Mkhwanazi’s affidavit filed in support of his bail application before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
In the affidavit, Mkhwanazi says he is innocent and maintains that there is no direct evidence linking him to the alleged robbery and conspiracy charges. He argues that he has not had access to the police docket and is therefore unable to fully respond to all the allegations at this stage, but “categorically” denies any criminal conduct.
The suspended EMPD chief further disputes the State’s contention that the matter falls under the stringent Schedule 6 bail provisions. He argues that the allegations are based primarily on statements made by witnesses before the Madlanga Commission, particularly complainant Pieter Jacobus Prinsloo, whose version he says does not support a charge of robbery.
Mkhwanazi points to civil litigation instituted by Prinsloo against the Minister of Police and others following the February 2023 search and seizure operation at his residence. According to the affidavit, Prinsloo alleges that the search was unlawful and warrantless, that his stones were unlawfully seized and not returned, and that his constitutional rights were violated.
The affidavit further claims that subsequent affidavits by Prinsloo and another witness, Tsotetsi, contain contradictions and inconsistencies. Mkhwanazi also quotes Tsotetsi as allegedly admitting that his own conduct had been unlawful and that he had resolved to cease such activities.
Addressing concerns over flight risk, Mkhwanazi says he has strong ties to Gauteng, owns a home worth about R2.5 million, earns approximately R65,000 a month, has worked for the EMPD since 2003 and stands to lose pension benefits worth about R7 million if he absconds.
He also tells the court that he suffers from Type 2 diabetes and requires chronic medication.
Mkhwanazi discloses that he is currently on bail in two other matters.
The first relates to charges in the Boksburg Regional Court, where he faces allegations of fraud, corruption, defeating the ends of justice and unlawful possession of ammunition. He says he has complied with all his bail conditions since being granted bail of R30,000 in April this year.
The second is the Germiston matter in which he was arrested earlier this month alongside former Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi and two senior municipal officials on corruption-related charges linked to salary adjustments.
Regarding his latest arrest, Mkhwanazi says he voluntarily handed himself over after his attorneys contacted the investigating team following media reports suggesting that arrests were imminent. He argues that this demonstrates his willingness to cooperate with law enforcement.
Mkhwanazi asks the court to release him on bail, submitting that the interests of justice favour his release pending trial and that there is no evidence he will evade trial, interfere with witnesses or endanger public safety. He also confirms that no protection orders have been granted against him and that no such applications are pending.
The closing arguments from both parties will be heard on Tuesday.
