Julius Mkhwanazi claims ' jilted' ex-lover fabricated gemstone theft story
Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is claiming that his involvement in a multi-million-rand gemstone theft was fabricated by a jilted former lover. Mkhwanazi and his co-accused appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court to face charges related to the 2023 heist.
Why it matters
The case involves high-ranking law enforcement officials and raises questions about corruption and the integrity of police leadership in South Africa.
Julius Mkhwanazi and Witness K in court. eNCA/Naomie Kobbie
JOHANNESBURG - Suspended Ekurhuleni Deputy Police Chief Julius Mkhwanazi is blaming his latest foray into the courts on a jilted lover.
Mkhwanazi says his former partner, Witness K, came up with the scheme to implicate him in the R15-million precious stones heist after they broke up.
This was heard when the two appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges related to fraud and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
According to Mkhwanazi, Witness K falsely implicated him in the theft of multi-million-rand precious stones.
“(Witness K) was emotionally distraught and devastated when I jilted her. I believe this to be the primary motive in fabricating the evidence for the commission. Insofar as she has implicated me with the spurious criminal acts which now form the basis of the charges being preferred against me here,” Mkhwanazi's affidavit read.
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