EAST RAND – An Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department officer and his co-accused appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court today following their arrest in connection with the robbery of precious stones worth R14.9 million.
EMPD officer Adrian Norman Mackenzie and businessman Etienne van der Walt face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and fraud relating to an incident that took place at a Killarney property in Johannesburg in 2023.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the accused allegedly robbed the complainant of six boxes containing high-grade and manganese stones after assaulting the victim and threatening serious harm whilst armed with firearms.
The state alleges that Mackenzie, along with another EMPD official and civilian accomplices, falsely presented themselves as members of a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team comprising EMPD and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation officers. They allegedly claimed to be investigating lithium smuggling activities and misrepresented that they had authority to conduct law enforcement operations within Johannesburg.
These representations were false and designed to mislead the complainant into believing a legitimate police operation was underway, the state contends. The prosecution alleges the true purpose was to unlawfully seize the precious stones.
The state further alleges the EMPD officials were operating outside their lawful jurisdiction, which is limited to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
The case has links to testimony heard at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in recent weeks, where a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department inspector, referred to as Witness K, revealed details about the staged operation. The commission heard that suspended former EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi allegedly orchestrated the raid.
Witness K testified that whilst the stones were valued at R14.9 million, the group allegedly sold them for just R110 000, with R88 000 split between four participants and R22 000 kept by the witness.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been investigating the matter and has indicated that six individuals were initially identified as suspects. One suspect has since died, whilst the remaining group includes three EMPD officers, one JMPD officer, one Gauteng traffic police officer and businessman Van der Walt.
Sugilite is a rare semi-precious gemstone found primarily in South Africa’s Kalahari Manganese Field. The vibrant purple stone is highly sought after by collectors and investors due to its scarcity and distinctive colour.
The matter was postponed to 16 July for formal bail applications. Both accused remain in custody pending their next court appearance.
NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the authority would not comment further whilst the matter is before the court.
