THE FUSE

By Rorisang Modiba

• Prosecutors withdrew all charges against businessman Etienne van der Walt after successful legal representations, ending his 10 days behind bars.

• Former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department officer Adrian Norman Mackenzie and former officer Keisha Leigh Stols were each granted R5,000 bail as the investigation continues.

The R14.9 million precious stones robbery case took a dramatic turn on Thursday when prosecutors withdrew all charges against businessman Etienne van der Walt.

Van der Walt walked out of the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court a free man after spending 10 days in custody.

At the same hearing, former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department officer Adrian Norman Mackenzie and former EMPD officer Keisha Leigh Stols were each granted bail of R5,000.

The pair still face charges linked to the multimillion-rand robbery.

The case has been postponed to 28 August 2026 while investigators continue gathering evidence.

The case centres on what prosecutors say was a fake police operation at a shopping centre in Killarney, Johannesburg, in August 2023.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the accused allegedly posed as police officers, handcuffed the complainant and stole six boxes of precious stones worth about R14.9 million.

The investigation forms part of a wider probe, with prosecutors saying more arrests could still follow.

Van der Walt’s release came after his legal team made successful representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

His lawyer, Peter Jay, said his client was relieved to have the charges withdrawn.

“My client is obviously ecstatic. He can now continue with his life and his business, which has suffered greatly since his incarceration,” Jay said.

Outside court, Van der Walt was welcomed by his mother, Sanete du Toit, and his heavily pregnant wife, who became emotional after hearing the decision.

Du Toit thanked God for her son’s release.

“We believe that God has made it possible. Justice prevailed,” she said.

She said the family had never stopped believing in his innocence during the difficult 10 days he spent behind bars.

When asked whether Van der Walt would sue the State for his arrest, Jay said that decision would only be made after consulting his client.

In a statement after the court proceedings, National Prosecuting Authority communications officer Magaboke Mohlatlole confirmed that the charges against Van der Walt had been withdrawn after the Director of Public Prosecutions accepted the legal representations made on his behalf.

Mohlatlole said the case against Mackenzie and Stols would continue.

He said the two are accused of taking part in the robbery and will stand trial once the investigation is complete.

The National Prosecuting Authority also confirmed that investigators are still working to identify and arrest other suspects believed to have been involved in the robbery.

The case has attracted national attention after evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission allegedly linked suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi to the planning of the robbery.

Mkhwanazi has not been charged in this case and any allegations involving him have yet to be tested in court.

“The National Prosecuting Authority remains committed to prosecuting serious violent crimes and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable through the criminal justice system,” Mohlatlole said.

Image caption

Pictured above: Businessman Etienne van der Walt walked free after prosecutors withdrew all charges, while two former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department officers were granted bail in the R14.9 million precious stones robbery case.

Image source: File