Julius Mkhwanazi’s lawyer argues that he is not a flight risk
Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi's defence has urged the court to release him on bail.
Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi's legal team has argued in court that their client should be released on bail, contending that the State has not proven the existence of a genuine risk of witness intimidation. According to their counsel, Advocate Peter Wilkins, Mkhwanazi is not a flight risk, citing his consistent adherence to previous bail requirements and court orders.
Wilkins emphasized this during his closing remarks in the bail application process. Mkhwanazi is currently embroiled in legal proceedings regarding the 2022 murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense. The defendant, who appeared in court, had been under strict conditions, which included surrendering his passport, residing at disclosed addresses, attending all court dates, avoiding contact with designated state witnesses, abstaining from accessing EMPD or SAPS records, and refraining from visiting EMPD premises where required by law.
The lawyer argued that the presence of these enforceable conditions is especially crucial when the state's apprehensions are speculative and the defendant has already proven their compliance with the bail conditions.
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