Fifth arrest: Julius Mkhwanazi arrested for blue lights saga while in custody
IPID confirmed that two suspects have been arrested on fraud and corruption charges linked to the alleged unlawful installation of blue lights.
Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi of the suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department has been served with a warrant of arrest. This follows the blue light saga, which involves Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Mkhwanazi is set to appear at Germiston Magistrates’ Court on Friday, facing charges of fraud and corruption. In a related case, Mkhwanazi and five others have been arrested in connection with the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbense, who was allegedly tortured to death in Brakpan and his body dumped into a dam.
The arrests resulted from allegations heard at the Madlanga Commission linking police and private security personnel to Mbense's death. Van Heerden, the defense lawyer for Sibande, challenged Masuku's reasons for opposing bail for Mkhwanazi and the other accused. Van Heerden highlighted a WhatsApp exchange in which Sibande informed investigators of his whereabouts, stating that he had never refused to respond to investigators and could be contacted if needed.
Masuku admitted she could not remember the specific WhatsApp exchange but could not deny its existence.
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