Independent Police Investigative Directorate

31/07/2026

28/07/2026

The case of three KwaZulu Natal Police Officers accused of murder of suspects at Duff's Road in KwaMashu on 20 March 2026 has been remanded to 25 August 2026 by Ntuzuma Magistrate's Court.

Sergeant Manelisi Rabi (43), Sergeant Sifiso Emmanuel Maphumulo (47), and Constable Vusimuzi Hopewell Phewa (38), allegedly killed suspects who were wanted for several crimes in the KwaMashu area.

It is alleged that the police officers shot and killed three occupants of a red VW Polo, who were returning from a community meeting at Duff’s Road Hall, after they intercepted the suspects. The officers alleged that they returned fire after the suspects fired at them first.

The three officers are facing charges of murder and were released on warning.

21/07/2026

The last two suspects in the theft of precious stones in Killarney, Johannesburg, in 2023, were today, granted R5 000 bail each by the Johannesburg Magistrate Court.

EMPD Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi and JMPD Officer, Kgomotso Makhubu were arrested by IPID and TRT in Kensington and Alberton on Friday, 17 July 2026.

They will join the other two suspects in the matter, Kersha Stoltz and Adriaan McKenzie, who were granted R5000 bail each on 16 July 2026.

Their next appearance is 25 August 2026.

The suspects allegedly raided a property in Killarney in 2023 without a warrant, and allegedly seized precious stones valued at about R15 million.

20/07/2026

The case against nine Bultfontein police officers arrested on 11 April 2026, was postponed to 5 October 2026 for pre-trial by the Free State High Court sitting in Welkom.

The police officers are facing four counts of murder emanating from an incident that happened in Phahameng township on Sunday, 22 September 2024.

The police officers from Public Order Police Unit allegedly responded to a call of a domestic dispute in Phahameng, where family members were allegedly involved in a fight. Three family members allegedly locked themselves in the house and barricaded all entrances when the police tried to apprehend them.

The police officers allegedly executed tactical entry into the house during which they discharged their fi****ms. The three family members, Mmota Maleka (36), Lobisa Maleka (28) and Andries Maleka (30) together with Constable Mojalefa Borole (30), died from gunshots wounds.

Sergeants Edward Mokake (45), Shadrack Kabuza (45), and Tseliso Mohoboko (44), together with Constables Johannes Mohau (30), David Mofothi (31), Lebohang Senxesi (34), Ikaneng Maropeng (42), Teboho Monaune (37), and Lehlohonolo Morapedi (38), who were released on bail of R3000 had their bail extended.

17/07/2026

The second suspect in the precious stones case has finally been arrested at a house in Kensington just before 8pm. The suspect will also be detained at the Germiston Police Station and will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday.

17/07/2026

IPID Media Statement
17 June 2026

IPID has earlier today, arrested one of the two remaining suspects in the raid and seizure of precious stones from a property in Killarney, Johannesburg, in 2023.

The arrested suspect is detained at Germiston holding cells.

Three of the suspects in the precious stones case appeared in court during the week. Two were released on bail. The other suspect’s charges were withdrawn after he made representations to the prosecution.

The suspects were initially six when the investigation began. They were from EMPD, JMPD, Gauteng Traffic Police and a private citizen. One has since passed away.

They allegedly conducted an investigation outside their area of jurisdiction, while the others, in terms of their work responsibilities, do not conduct investigations. The other suspect allegedly impersonated a police officer during the raid.

Kersha Stoltz and Adriaan McKenzie were released on R5 000 bail each on 26 July 2026 while businessman Etienne van der Walt’s charges are withdrawn.

The suspect arrested today will appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate Court on Monday, 20 July 2026.

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