The Brief

Two people, including a suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer, have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of precious stones valued at around R14 million.

The group is accused of entering the property without a search warrant and seizing precious stones worth approximately R15 million.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Lizzy Suping says six individuals were initially linked to the case. One suspect has since died, while the remaining suspects include three EMPD officers, one Gauteng Traffic Police officer, and one Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer.

According to Suping, the investigation dates back to 2023 when several law enforcement officials allegedly carried out an unlawful raid at a residence in Killarney, Johannesburg.

Investigators allege that the JMPD officer participated in an operation outside the department's jurisdiction, as Killarney falls within the City of Johannesburg. The officer was reportedly assigned to VIP protection and was not authorised to conduct criminal investigations.

A Gauteng Traffic Police officer is also implicated despite traffic officers not being mandated to investigate criminal cases, while a businessman who owns a security company allegedly posed as a police officer during the operation.

The suspects are scheduled to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday to face corruption-related charges. IPID says the investigation is ongoing, with more arrests expected as the case progresses.

More Than 900 Arrested Following Nationwide Anti-Illegal Immigration Protests

More than 900 people were arrested during nationwide law enforcement operations conducted alongside Tuesday's anti-illegal immigration protests.

Authorities say those arrested face a range of charges, including public violence, looting, business robbery, incitement and violations of the Immigration Act. In Gauteng, one person lost their life in Alexandra during the alleged looting of foreign-owned spaza shops, while two others were injured in Hillbrow after gunfire broke out.

National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, NATJOINTS Chairperson Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said the arrests were made during both the protest-related operations and routine policing activities carried out across the country. She added that many of those arrested were undocumented foreign nationals, while others were taken into custody for offences linked to violence, the harbouring of undocumented migrants and crimes committed during the unrest.

Former Senior SAPS Officer Dismissed Over Corruption and Misconduct

Former senior SAPS officer Brigadier Rachel Matjeng has been dismissed from the South African Police Service after being found guilty of multiple misconduct charges linked to her relationship with alleged underworld figure Vusumuzi "Cat" Matlala.

Matjeng, who is among 12 senior police officials facing charges related to the controversial R228-million SAPS tender awarded to Matlala's company, was dismissed following an internal disciplinary process. Her termination became effective on 30 June 2026.

According to SAPS, the disciplinary hearing found Matjeng guilty of several serious offences, including accepting undue benefits, money laundering, acting against the interests of the police service by allegedly advising Matlala, dishonesty, and conduct that undermined the administration of justice. She was also found to have unlawfully shared a list containing details of SAPS members with the intention of securing financial gain.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane welcomed the outcome, saying the dismissal demonstrates the organisation's commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that officials who collaborate with criminals are held accountable.

During her testimony before the Madlanga Commission earlier this year, Matjeng confirmed that she and Matlala had been in a romantic relationship since 2017. She testified that Matlala regularly gave her gifts and transferred money into her bank account.

Matlala has since pleaded guilty to all seven charges in the SAPS tender corruption case. In his plea, he admitted arranging payments of up to R300,000 for Matjeng through one of his companies, Luxo Africa Brand Investments. The money was allegedly channelled through Osizweni Meat Hyper in Tembisa before being withdrawn in cash and delivered to Matjeng.