Emmanuel Mbense Murder: State Says Suspects Vowed Death for Anyone Who Spoke About the Killing
- Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi and four co-accused appeared in Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 6 August 2026
- Mkhwanazi was arrested alongside Cobus Janse van Rensburg, Bhekokwakhe Sibande, Adrian Mackenzie, and Kersha-Leigh Stols
- The State alleged that the group swore an oath of secrecy following the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbense
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG – The five people arrested in connection with the death of Emmanuel Mbense allegedly agreed to keep silent about the 2022 murder.
Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and four co-accused appeared before the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on 6 August 2026, where details of their pact came to light.
Mkhwanazi, Cobus Janse van Rensburg, Bhekokwakhe Sibande, Adrian Mackenzie, and Kersha-Leigh Stols allegedly agreed that death would be the punishment for anyone who broke ranks and spoke about the murder.
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"There was a punishment agreed upon for anyone who would betray the group. That punishment was death," the State alleged.
Marius van der Merwe, testifying as Witness D, told the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry about the murder in 2025. He was murdered not long after he testified.
State discloses details of the 2022 murder
During their first appearance before court on Thursday, 06 August 2026, it was confirmed that the suspects were facing charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
The State alleged that on 14 April 2022, Janse van Rensburg informed his co-accused that Mbense was linked to one of the trucks used in a warehouse robbery at Schneider Electric on 9 March 2022.
Approximately 13 individuals, reportedly including members of the South African Police Service, EMPD officers, and private security personnel, allegedly raided the premises where Mbense was resting. The charge sheet states that the group ransacked the property, where they assaulted and tortured Mbense until he died. His body was dumped in a dam.
Police raid property of Mbense murder suspect
Briefly News reported that Gauteng police raided a property belonging to a suspect linked to the 2022 murder of Mbense.
Etienne van de Walt, whose property was raided, was implicated in the murder by Marius van der Merwe's testimony.
South Africans weighed in on the raids on properties, sharing mixed reactions to the news that police were taking action.
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Source: Briefly News
