Madlanga Commission hears testimony from Witness K on the alleged corruption network within the EMPD.
Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers
Madlanga Commission has granted an in-camera hearing for Witness K to testify on alleged corruption inside the Ekurhuleni Metro Police, in a case involving stolen precious stones, falsified police records and claims of organised criminal conduct within law enforcement ranks.
Commission chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga ruled that Witness K will testify in camera due to safety concerns, but the evidence will still be made public through audio broadcast.
The witnessâs identity will remain strictly confidential. The arrangement was agreed to by all parties involved.
Witness K is expected to give detailed evidence linking senior officials and associates to a network allegedly involved in the theft of precious stones worth tens of millions of rand.
The testimony comes as the inquiry continues to uncover what it describes as systemic corruption inside the EMPD, including the alleged operations of a rogue unit reportedly linked to suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Among the most serious allegations are claims that officers Norman McKenzie and Kersha-Leigh Stols, together with civilian Etienne van der Walt, raided a residential flat and stole semi-precious stones worth R14 million.
CCTV footage and testimony from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) reportedly showed the stolen items being handed over to Mkhwanazi after false operational logs were created.
In another incident, officers are accused of impersonating Hawks officials during a staged operation that led to the seizure of legally exported stones valued at R45 million, which were never officially booked as evidence.
The commission has also heard claims linking the unit to broader allegations of murder and kidnapping cover-ups, prompting calls for wider investigations into systemic misconduct within the department.
The proceedings are underway.
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