Emmanuel Mbense Murder: DNA Evidence Allegedly Placed Wiandre Pretorius in Bedroom Before His Death
- IPID Senior Investigator Nomsa Masuku testified that DNA samples collected during the investigation were allegedly linked to Pretorius
- Pretorius was previously named as one of the people allegedly present at Emmanuel Mbense's home during the fatal attack
- The State has reopened its bail application against suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and five co-accused
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GAUTENG — The investigating officer in the murder case against suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and five co-accused has told the court that a key suspect, Wiandre Pretorius, died by suicide after DNA evidence allegedly placed him inside the bedroom where victim Emmanuel Mbense was found.
IPID Senior Investigator Nomsa Masuku took the stand after the State reopened its bail application against Mkhwanazi and his five co-accused.
DNA report and Pretorius's death
Masuku testified that DNA samples collected from the scene returned a positive match to Pretorius.
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"That sample came back positive to Wiandre Pretorius," Masuku told the court.
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She alleged that Pretorius may have accessed the DNA report through his wife, Juan-Maree Eksteen, who is now accused number six in the case. Investigators were subsequently informed that knowledge of the report's findings may have contributed to his decision to take his own life.
"When he killed himself, we were informed that one of the reasons he killed himself was because he had sight of the DNA report that was putting him in the bedroom where the deceased was," she said.
Pretorius had previously been identified by Madlanga Commission witness Marius Van Der Merwe, known as Witness D, as one of the individuals allegedly present at Mbense's home during the attack. Van Der Merwe testified before the commission that SAPS, EMPD and private security officers allegedly robbed and tortured Mbense before killing him.
Five-hour assault before dumping
According to Masuku, Mbense was assaulted at his Brakpan home for approximately five hours before his body was allegedly dumped in a dam near Nigel.
Mkhwanazi and his five co-accused face charges of murder, robbery and defeating the ends of justice. The State is opposing bail as the court weighs the evidence presented against them.
The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly following testimony heard by the Madlanga Commission, which is examining allegations of criminality and corruption within law enforcement structures in South Africa.
The accused remain innocent until proven guilty.
Wiandre Pretorius interviews in connection with Mbense murder
Briefly News also reported that sources said Pretorius was a person of interest in the Mbense murder and was taken in for questioning regarding Witness D's death. During that process, investigators seized, among other items, his cellphones. Last week, Pretorius reported an alleged attempt on his life after gunmen fired 16 shots at his vehicle outside his Boksburg home. He was not injured, and police are still investigating that case. Pretorius, a former police reservist, reportedly argued with his partner, police sergeant Juan Mare Eksteen, before taking his own life. Eksteen was previously named at the Madlanga Commission in connection with the Brakpan case.
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Source: Briefly News
