PRETORIA - The State has withdrawn charges against one of the accused in the 2023 Killarney gem heist involving stones valued at R14.9 million.
The three accused appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday for the continuation of their bail application, but it emerged that charges against businessman Etienne van der Walt had been withdrawn.
Van der Walt was arrested alongside EMPD officer Adrian MacKenzie and former EMPD officer Kersha-Leigh Stohls on charges linked to the alleged theft of the precious stones.
His lawyer, Peter Jay, confirmed that representations made on behalf of his client led to the charges being withdrawn. He said Van der Walt may sue the State.