Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi has told the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court that he earns approximately R65,000 a month after deductions, owns assets worth millions of rand and has an estimated R7 million pension benefit, arguing that these factors demonstrate he has no intention of fleeing South Africa.
Mkhwanazi is applying for bail after being charged in connection with the alleged theft of precious stones valued at R14.9 million from a property in Killarney, Johannesburg.
The State has indicated that it will not oppose bail, saying there is no evidence that Mkhwanazi or his co-accused present a flight risk or are likely to interfere with witnesses.
Importantly, the allegations against all accused remain before the courts and none have been convicted.
State does not oppose bail
State prosecutor Nceba Ntelwa told the court that the prosecution believes the accused have cooperated with investigators throughout the investigation.
According to the State, there is no indication that Mkhwanazi would evade trial or obstruct the administration of justice if released on bail.
That position will ultimately be considered by the court when determining whether releasing the accused would be in the interests of justice.
Mkhwanazi outlines salary, home and pension
In an affidavit read into the record by his attorney, Shafique Sarlie, Mkhwanazi provided details of his financial circumstances.
He told the court that:
- He earns approximately R65,000 per month after deductions.
- His only source of income is his salary from the EMPD.
- He owns a home valued at approximately R2.5 million, although around R2 million remains outstanding on the mortgage.
- He owns household furniture and personal effects worth about R300,000.
- He expects to receive an estimated R7 million pension after more than two decades of service.
Mkhwanazi argued that abandoning the criminal proceedings would place all of those assets and retirement benefits at risk.
“I am aware that if I flee, I will lose all these benefits and assets,” he told the court.
Passport already in State possession
Mkhwanazi also addressed concerns regarding international travel.
He confirmed that he holds a valid South African passport issued in August 2025 but said it has never been used.
According to his affidavit, the passport is currently in the possession of the State.
He added that although he had travelled overseas previously using an older passport, he has no close family members or significant personal ties outside South Africa.
Instead, he described Gauteng as his lifelong home, emphasising his family connections and community ties.
“I consider Gauteng to be my permanent home… it is highly improbable and, indeed, impossible that I will avoid standing trial,” he stated.
Medical condition raised during proceedings
The court also heard that Mkhwanazi has been living with Type 2 diabetes since approximately 2021.
He said he relies on chronic medication to manage the condition and other health-related issues.
Medical circumstances are among the factors courts may consider when determining bail applications, although they are assessed alongside the seriousness of the alleged offences and other legal considerations.
Case linked to alleged Killarney robbery
The charges stem from the alleged theft of high-value sugilite and manganese stones during a robbery in Killarney on 11 February 2023.
The investigation intensified after testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where a former romantic partner of Mkhwanazi—identified in court proceedings as Witness K—alleged that he orchestrated the robbery.
She claimed that five individuals participated in the operation and that each allegedly received R110,000.
Mkhwanazi has denied the allegations.
Investigators have also relied on evidence from current and former EMPD officers who allegedly implicated him during the investigation.
Those allegations will ultimately be tested during the criminal trial.
Witness K seeks release on bail
Witness K, an inspector attached to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s VIP Protection Unit, also applied for bail.
Through her legal representative, she told the court that she is a 40-year-old single mother responsible for three children aged 17, 15 and 3.
She said she has lived in Alberton for six years and owns the home where she resides with her children.
She also disclosed ownership of:
- Household furniture valued at approximately R200,000.
- A 2009 Volkswagen Polo valued at around R40,000.
- Additional immovable property.
Witness K told the court she has no intention of leaving South Africa despite possessing travel documents.
She cited her strong family ties and extensive financial responsibilities as reasons why she should be granted bail.
Breadwinner for an extended family
The court heard that Witness K financially supports more than just her immediate family.
According to her affidavit, she assists:
- Her three children.
- Her mother, who cares for six adopted orphaned children.
- Her unemployed brother and his two children.
- Her late brother’s 11-year-old son.
- Her sister’s son.
She argued that continued detention would leave numerous dependants without financial support.
“I am still young. I am a single parent and the breadwinner,” she told the court.
She further submitted that remaining in custody would limit her ability to prepare her legal defence and pay her legal costs while awaiting trial.
Bail decision still pending
Magistrate Annelise Tlhapi postponed the matter until Tuesday, when both the prosecution and defence are expected to deliver closing arguments.
The court will thereafter hand down its ruling on whether Mkhwanazi and Witness K will be released on bail pending the outcome of their criminal trial.
While the State has indicated it does not oppose bail, the final decision rests with the court after considering all the evidence placed before it.
