Embattled Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi appeared at the Madlanga commission on Wednesday where he denied having refused to submit a warning statement in a case of theft of precious stones in 2023.
During the operation, EMPD officers went to Rosebank and reported that they were chasing a suspect for a crime that happened in their jurisdiction, and then proceeded to Hillbrow where they allegedly stole precious stones worth R14m. The owner later opened a case against them.
However, Mkhwanazi stated that on the day, they were part of a joint operation comprising the EMPD, Gauteng traffic department and Johannesburg metro police department. He said the operation related to a suspect who was selling fake precious stones on social media.
Here are five things you need to know about the testimony:
- Mkhwanazi told the commission that they (EMPD) had left the scene as they were rushing to another engagement in their jurisdiction.
- He denied that last year he refused to submit a warning statement in relation to this theft of precious stones.
- He confirmed that he was called to the scene where Emmanuel Mbhense was killed, allegedly by law enforcement officers, but denied that he ordered a cover-up of the murder.
- Mkhwanazi admitted to the commission that the family of Mbhense deserved justice.
- Bank records show that Mkhwanazi received R96,000 from his informant in two months. The commission evidence leader suggested that the money was from proceeds of crime.
Sowetan
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