Defence disputes Mkhwanazi’s liability in Mbense murder

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi's legal team has contested the prosecution's claims, contending that his client could not have been a participant in the crimes before his arrival at the scene. Police detective Nomsa Masuku asserts that Mkhwanazi contributed to the unlawful activities by proposing methods to dispose of Emmanuel Mbense's body.

This statement was made during a vigorous cross-examination during Mkhwanazi's bail application hearing at the Brakpan Magistrate's Court. Mkhwanazi and his co-defendants are accused of murder and obstructing justice in connection with the alleged killing and disposal of Mbense's body in 2022. Masuku suggests that his alleged involvement in disposing of the body could still link him to the unlawful activities.

"The unlawful act that was already committed and agreed, to give an advice of getting rid of the body. Then the results of that, they will all account back to them. It doesn't matter whether you joined on the way or you were there when it started. That’s why I’m saying it’s not only an ‘after the fact’ matter. Maybe that can be added by the State as well. I don’t know, sir."