DNA evidence allegedly linking Wiandre Pretorius to Emmanuel Mbense’s bedroom has emerged as a key element in the State’s case against suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and his co-accused.
IPID Senior Investigator Nomsa Masuku told the court that forensic testing returned a positive match to Pretorius. She said investigators were later informed that Pretorius had died by suicide, with one possible reason being that he had seen the DNA report.
Pretorius had also been named by Madlanga Commission witness Marius Van Der Merwe, known as Witness D, as someone allegedly present at Mbense’s Brakpan home during the attack.
The State alleges Mbense endured hours of assault before he was killed and his body was dumped in a dam near Nigel.
Masuku further suggested that Pretorius may have obtained information about the DNA findings through his wife, Juan-Maree Eksteen, who is accused number six.
The evidence was presented during the ongoing bail proceedings involving Mkhwanazi and five co-accused, who face charges including murder, robbery and defeating the ends of justice.
The allegations have yet to be tested fully at trial.