From romance to heist: how Julius Mkhwanazi allegedly orchestrated a R14m gem heist with ex-lover (opens original article in a new tab)

Julius Mkhwanazi is accused of leading a gem heist worth R14m with his ex-lover and other officers, involving theft, cover-ups, and attempts to dismiss the case.

• Witness K testified that Julius Mkhwanazi orchestrated a R14m gem heist with her and other officers
• Mkhwanazi allegedly asked Witness K for money and later involved her in stealing gems from an owner
• Officers Stols and Mackenzie hid some stolen gems in EMPD offices and tried to cover up the crime
• Witness K and others attempted to have the criminal case dismissed through false statements and bribes