They say greed is the root of all evil.
The Madlanga Commission has heard explosive testimony about the handling of semi-precious stones valued at nearly R14.9 million and the alleged presence of suspense Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Department (JMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Officer Thulani Magagula provided the Madlanga Commission with CCTV footage allegedly showing an EMPD officer handing stolen R14 million precious stones to Mkhwanazi.
Magagula is continuing with his testimony told the Madlanga Commission that officers allegedly conducted a search at a Rosebank residence in February 2023 and seized special stones worth approximately R14,926,004.
However, Magagula said there was no valid search warrant presented.
“No clear SAPS case backing the alleged joint operation. No proper exhibit documentation confirming lawful seizure and register entries that investigators believe were false,” he said.
The situation escalated when forensic analysis of CCTV footage allegedly revealed a vehicle at the scene that did not belong to one of the primary officers involved.
Magagula testified that a statement later identified the driver of that vehicle as Julius Mkhwanazi.
As if that was not enough, Mkhwanazi further testified on the case EMPD officers are accused of extorting R120,000 from a foreign national.
Magagula told the commission that the officers involved were F.I Shirinda, J.L Thaba, J.G Yika, C.T Ngubeni, K Seisa and G.K Neloheni are currently on trial in connection with the alleged incident.