Julius Mkhwanazi May Have Influenced Co-Accused’s Statements in Emmanuel Mbense Murder Case
- Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi and his five co-accused appeared in court for their bail application in the Emmanuel Mbense murder case
- The investigating officer raised new concerns about Mkhwanazi, suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief
- Mbense was killed in 2022, but details of his murder only came to light thanks to testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
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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 - Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi has found himself at the centre of fresh allegations during his latest appearance in court.
The suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief and five co-accused appeared in court on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, in connection with the murder of Emmanuel Mbense.
Mkhwanazi, Cobus Janse van Rensburg, Bhekokwakhe Wayne Sibande, Adrian MacKenzie, Keisha-Leigh Stols, and Juan Maree Eksteen face charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and defeating or obstructing the ends of justice. They were arrested in relation to the 2022 murder of Mbense.
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The State is opposing bail. The case has been postponed for 20 August 2026 for the continuation of the bail application.
Mkhwanazi may have exerted influence over the others
During their latest appearance before court, the State called up the investigating officer, Nomsa Masuku, to testify. She told the court that the similarities across the accused's statements raised concern that Mkhwanazi may have exerted influence over the others.
The court is hearing the matter under Schedule 6 provisions, meaning the accused must demonstrate exceptional circumstances to be granted bail. All six have indicated they intend to plead not guilty.
While the murder happened in 2022, little was known about the details until 2025. 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.
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
