EMPD deputy chief and co-accused due in court for Mbense murder bail hearing
Suspended EMPD deputy chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi and five co-accused are expected in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court for a bail hearing over the alleged murder of Emmanuel Mbense.
Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department deputy chief, is set to face a bail hearing at Brakpan Magistrate's Court in connection with the alleged murder of Emmanuel Mbense. Co-accused Keisha-Leigh Stols, Adrian Mackenzie, Bhekokwakhe Sibande, Cobus Janse van Rensburg and Jaun Maree Eksteen, as well as Eksteen's husband Wiandre Pretorius, are also present.
The case is classified as a Schedule 6 offence, meaning all six must prove exceptional circumstances to be released on bail. Mkhwanazi appears alongside the others after their arrest following an investigation into Mbense's alleged torture and killing at his Brakpan home in April 2022. The body was later discovered in Spaarwater Dam.
Mkhwanazi is accused of instructing others to dispose of Mbense's body at a mine dump or in a river. The State alleges that Mbense was assaulted, tortured and had his R500,000 seized during a raid of his home by a group of 15 members from SAPS, EMPD and private security companies. Mbense's body was recovered the following day, and the accused are charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and obstructing or defeating the course of justice.
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