Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended Ekurhuleni metro deputy police chief, has appeared in court multiple times this year facing serious charges.His latest bail application for alleged theft of R14m worth of precious stones in Killarney was postponed, with him and his former girlfriend remanded in custody.

Mkhwanazi's legal troubles began in April 2023 when he was arrested alongside Ekurhuleni city manager Kagiso Lerutla for allegedly orchestrating a court impersonation scam.The pair were released on R30,000 bail.

In July 2023, he was implicated in a separate case involving fraudulent blue light installations for Vusimusi Matlala, with former colleagues Imogen Mashazi, Kemi Behari, and Linda Gxasheka also charged for salary fraud.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is awaiting National Prosecuting Authority approval to investigate a cover-up linked to the murder of Emmanuel Mbense, in which Mkhwanazi was also involved.He now faces an internal disciplinary hearing within the police force.The case highlights systemic corruption allegations against senior police officials and ongoing scrutiny of their financial dealings.