Charges withdrawn against businessman in R14.9 million precious stones theft case
Charges have been withdrawn against businessman Etienne van der Walt in a high-profile R14.9 million precious stones theft case. While Van der Walt has been released, his co-accused remain in custody awaiting bail hearings.
Why it matters
The case raises questions regarding the judicial process and the potential for wrongful arrest in high-stakes criminal investigations.
Ask AI 2 min Adrian Mackenzie, Ettienne van der Walt and Kersha-Leigh Stols in the dock at the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court.
Those were the words of Sanete du Toit, the mother of businessman Etienne van der Walt, as she expressed relief after the State withdrew charges against her son in the R14.9-million precious stones heist case.
Van der Walt, who spent 10 days behind bars, walked free from the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
He was accompanied by his mother and heavily pregnant wife, who became emotional after the charges were withdrawn.
Van der Walt had been arrested alongside Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer Adrian MacKenzie and former EMPD officer Kersha-Leigh Stols.
The three face charges linked to an incident at premises in Killarney, Johannesburg, on February 11, 2023.
MacKenzie and Stols remain before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court, where they are expected to apply for bail.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in