Madlanga Commission Probes Missing R14m Lithium Seized by EMPD
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has examined evidence regarding an alleged rogue operation by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), during which lithium-bearing rocks valued at approximately R14 million were seized from a Rosebank residence and subsequently vanished. Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi denied directing the operation but admitted being present nearby. Testimony from involved officers and a civilian witness indicated that the seized materials were handed over to an unidentified Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer, after which they disappeared. Only R40,000 worth of lithium was later recovered from Constable Adrian McKenzie’s vehicle, leading to his arrest. Commissioner Sandile Khumalo criticized Mkhwanazi for providing contradictory statements and attempting to legitimize the actions by citing a deceased official, suggesting a pattern of protective behavior among the officers involved. The commission highlighted serious concerns that the operation may have amounted to armed robbery, noting significant inconsistencies in the accounts provided by Mkhwanazi and the participating constables regarding jurisdiction and procedural legitimacy.
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Madlanga Commission Probes Missing R14m Lithium Seized by EMPD
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has examined evidence regarding an alleged rogue operation by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), during which lithium-bearing rocks valued at approximately R14 million were seized from a Rosebank residence and subsequently vanished. Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi denied directing the operation but admitted being present nearby. Testimony from involved officers and a civilian witness indicated that the seized materials were handed over to an unidentified Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer, after which they disappeared. Only R40,000 worth of lithium was later recovered from Constable Adrian McKenzie’s vehicle, leading to his arrest. Commissioner Sandile Khumalo criticized Mkhwanazi for providing contradictory statements and attempting to legitimize the actions by citing a deceased official, suggesting a pattern of protective behavior among the officers involved. The commission highlighted serious concerns that the operation may have amounted to armed robbery, noting significant inconsistencies in the accounts provided by Mkhwanazi and the participating constables regarding jurisdiction and procedural legitimacy.
The Mail & Guardian