Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and a JMPD officer known as Witness K have been granted R5,000 bail each in relation to a 2023 theft of precious stones worth about R15 million, with charges including conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and fraud. The case centers on an operation at a Killarney property where six boxes of sugilite and manganese stones valued at about R14.9 million were seized and later sold for a fraction of their value, with proceeds allegedly shared among the accused. Witness K, who is described as Mkhwanazi’s ex-lover, testified at the Madlanga Commission and claimed involvement in the heist, while Mkhwanazi contends the testimony was spiteful. Bail conditions barred direct or indirect contact with witnesses and required reporting to police stations weekly. The proceedings have been adjourned to 25 August for further investigations, and Mkhwanazi faces additional matters in court related to fraud, corruption and other cases involving current or former municipal officials.