Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and five co-accused have been denied bail by the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of Emmanuel Mbense.
The six accused include businessman Cobus Janse van Rensburg, former EMPD official Adrian Mackenzie and three former South African Police Service (SAPS) officials — Bhekokwakhe Sibande, Keisha-Leigh Stols and Juan Maree Eksteen.
They face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the administration of justice.
The State alleges that the accused assaulted and killed Mbense at his residence on 14 April 2022 after allegedly suspecting him of stealing copper from a warehouse.
Following the alleged murder, the accused reportedly robbed Mbense of personal belongings and approximately R500,000 in cash.
The State further alleges that the group disposed of Mbense’s body by dumping it at Spaarwater Dam.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the State opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns that the accused could evade trial.
“The State opposed the accused’s release on bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offences and the risk that they might evade trial,” Mahanjana said.
Magistrate Colin Mashego found that the accused had failed to place sufficient evidence before the court to justify their release on bail.
The matter was postponed to 24 November 2026 for further investigations and to allow authorities to arrest and add an outstanding suspect to the case.
The accused remain in custody pending further proceedings.
