South Africa’s Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has arrested a second suspect in connection with the alleged theft of precious stones valued at nearly R15 million during a controversial operation at a Johannesburg home in 2023.
The latest suspect surrendered to police at Edenvale Police Station on Sunday evening before being taken into custody. The arrest follows the detention of another suspect just days earlier as investigators continue to pursue the remaining accused.
According to Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping, two arrest warrants have now been executed, while efforts to locate a third suspect remain underway. Both arrested individuals are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
The investigation originally involved six suspects, although one has since died.
Those implicated include members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Gauteng Traffic Police, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), as well as a businessman accused of impersonating a police officer during the alleged operation.
Investigation linked to corruption allegations
Investigators allege the suspects unlawfully participated in a raid during which precious stones worth almost R15 million were seized and later disappeared.
The accused currently face corruption-related charges linked to their alleged conduct during the operation, while Ipid has indicated that additional arrests are expected in the near future.
The case has attracted national attention following evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission, which is examining allegations involving law enforcement officials.
Only a small portion of the stolen stones, valued at approximately R40,000, has been recovered, with the majority of the missing valuables still unaccounted for.
Commission hears explosive testimony
Much of the recent public attention has focused on testimony from a JMPD inspector known only as Witness K.
Appearing before the Madlanga Commission under a pseudonym, the witness alleged that suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi orchestrated the operation because of financial difficulties.
The commission also heard evidence that Witness K and Mkhwanazi were involved in a personal relationship beginning in late 2022.
According to her testimony, financial pressures eventually led to discussions about finding opportunities to make money. She alleged that this ultimately resulted in a coordinated plan to steal precious stones from businessman Peter Prinsloo at his Killarney apartment on 11 February 2023.
Witness K further claimed that proceeds amounting to R110,000 were shared among several participants following the alleged theft.
Mkhwanazi has strongly denied all allegations, maintaining that the operation conducted at the property was a legitimate law enforcement action and rejecting claims that he played any role in the disappearance of the precious stones.
As investigations continue, authorities say further arrests remain likely while prosecutors prepare to pursue the corruption case against those already in custody.
Source: Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid)