Mkhwanazi Denies ‘Rogue Cop’ Claims As Commission Grills Him Over R14.9m Heist Allegations

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department acting chief Julius Mkhwanazi has denied allegations that he orchestrated a criminal operation involving officers under his command.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Thursday, Mkhwanazi said he never instructed anyone to carry out an armed robbery involving precious stones.

“I did not give any instruction to commit any robbery,” Mkhwanazi said.

He dismissed claims that he directed officers, including Keisha Leigh-Stols and Aiden McKenzie, to execute the alleged operation.

Commission Challenges Version of Events

The commission presented a conflicting account, with co-commissioner Sandile Khumalo accusing Mkhwanazi and McKenzie of providing misleading information.

Khumalo questioned their failure to disclose Mkhwanazi’s alleged presence at a property in Rosebank linked to the incident.

“It was only after we confronted McKenzie with the footage that the presence of Mkhwanazi was confirmed,” Khumalo said.

When pressed, Mkhwanazi initially conceded, “You’re correct, commissioner,” before later contradicting himself.

“I was not there, commissioner,” he said, adding that he may have “limited” the information he provided.

The commission raised concerns about inconsistencies in testimony, suggesting possible coordination among those involved.

“To me, it looks like you tasked them to go commit an armed robbery at somebody’s house,” Khumalo added.

Julius Mkhwanazi Under Scrutiny

The inquiry is examining a February 2023 incident involving EMPD officers and a private security official, linked to the alleged theft of precious stones and lithium valued at approximately R14.9 million.

Additional items reported missing include cigarettes worth about R150,000, R35,000 in cash, and medical supplies.

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Evidence leader Mahlape Sello accused Mkhwanazi of fabricating a “joint operation” narrative years later to justify the actions of officers involved.

“The story comes three years after the raid, and no one was aware that it was a joint operation,” Sello said.

“In 2023, in an attempt to legitimise the efforts of Stols and McKenzie, Mkhwanazi concocted this version and invoked the name of a deceased who cannot defend himself.”

He denied the claims, insisting he had no involvement in any criminal conduct.

“I’m not that type of person. Your concern is my concern. I am not defending anyone,” he said, adding that he also wants clarity on the missing items.

The commission also heard that no formal criminal complaint appeared to have authorised the raid.

Proceedings continue as the inquiry seeks to determine whether the incident was a rogue operation or part of a broader pattern of alleged abuse of power within the EMPD.