Overview
- IPID arrested suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and four others on Wednesday in connection with the April 2022 abduction, torture and murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense; they face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice and were due to appear in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
- The arrests stem from a four-year IPID investigation that was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions in February 2026 and included a formal recommendation that police members face disciplinary action under the IPID Act.
- Explosive testimony to the Madlanga Commission by witness Marius van der Merwe said Mkhwanazi ordered Mbense’s body to be disposed of and later threatened a witness, testimony that renewed public attention and helped propel the prosecution.
- Mkhwanazi is already facing several separate criminal cases this year, including allegations linked to the theft of valuable gemstones, fraud, a court-impersonation scheme and unlawful use of blue lights, and he has denied wrongdoing while being granted bail in earlier matters.
- Mbense’s family said they felt relieved by the arrests and investigators warn more charges or disciplinary steps could follow, a development that puts pressure on EMPD and SAPS oversight and raises questions about how internal sanctions were handled.