‘Betray us and die’: Court hears of alleged group’s deadly pact following Mbense murder
Of the 13 accused in the case, four were killed execution-style. Former police reservist, Wiandre Pretorius, took his own life after surviving a hit.
The Brakpan Magistrate’s Court heard allegations of a deadly pact among a group of law enforcement officers and private security personnel involved in the murder of Emmanuel Mbense in April 2022. The accused, including Julius Mkhwanazi, Keisha-Leigh Stols, Adrian MacKenzie, Bhekokwakhe Sibande, and Cobus Janse van Rensburg, appeared for a bail application.
Mbense, who was involved in a previous business robbery, was allegedly tortured and killed by the group, with his body dumped in a lake. After the disposal, the group met at Carnival City and swore to secrecy, swearing death as the punishment for anyone betraying them. Four of the accused have been killed, allegedly by gunshot. Janse van Rensburg's legal representative argued for his release on R5,000 bail, citing financial difficulties and his role as a primary breadwinner for his family. He denied all charges and pleaded not guilty, stating he intends to plead not guilty.
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