IPID official slams EMPD for failing to discipline officers in million-rand truck theft case

Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID) Assistant Director for Investigations, Thulani Magagula, says the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) should have taken disciplinary action against two officers linked to the alleged theft of a truck in Putfontein three years ago.

Magagula is testifying at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is probing allegations of corruption and misconduct within the criminal justice system.

According to Magagula, the case involves alleged rogue EMPD officers Adrian McKenzie and Kasher Lee-Stols, along with private security official Etienne van der Walt. The truck and its load, worth over R1 million, were allegedly stolen in February 2023.

Magagula told the commission that the investigation into the matter is still ongoing but has stalled. He added that some witnesses have disappeared, and a key witness is too afraid to come forward, fearing the police.

"The question would be, 'Magagula, you know the police will kill me, and I don't want to be in that position,'" Magagula testified regarding the witness's fears. "So I'm trying to show him that there is witness protection and all those types of resources."

The commission’s interim report has found prima facie evidence of wrongdoing against the two officers and others involved.