More Arrests Expected in Emmanuel Mbense Murder Case as Bail Hearing Postponed

• The bail application of suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and five co-accused was postponed at Brakpan Magistrate's Court
• A seventh suspect believed to be abroad could face imminent arrest in connection with the 2022 abduction and murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense
• The defence is challenging key witness evidence, including a statement made by Marius van der Merwe before he was assassinated

GAUTENG — Additional arrests are expected in connection with the April 2022 abduction and murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense, who was allegedly tortured and killed after being falsely linked to a crime before his body was dumped in a dam.

The bail application of suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and five co-accused was postponed at the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 20 August. The matter will resume on 27 August, with Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) senior investigating officer Nomsa Masuku still under cross-examination by the defence.

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According to SABC News, a seventh suspect is believed to be outside the country and may face arrest soon, broadening the scope of an already complex murder case involving serving and former law enforcement figures.

Key testimony centres on Van der Merwe statement

Much of the bail hearing has focused on a statement made by the late Marius van der Merwe, who was subsequently assassinated. In that statement, Van der Merwe described finding former police reservist Wiandre Pretorius covering Mbense, who was still alive at the time, with plastic bags. He further alleged that Pretorius, with the assistance of two police officers, tied Mbense with ropes inside a bedroom.

The defence has been scrutinising this statement as it continues to cross-examine Masuku.

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Accused number two denies involvement

Attorney Jan van Heerden, who represents accused number two, police officer Bhekokwakhe Sibande, argued that his client was not present at the scene when Mbense was allegedly killed. The defence's broader strategy appears aimed at distancing individual accused from the specific acts described in witness accounts.

The case is expected to return to court on 27 August, with legal proceedings likely to be shaped by both the ongoing cross-examination and developments surrounding the potential arrest of the seventh suspect.

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Julius Mkhwanazi may have influenced co-accused’s statements in Emmanuel Mbense murder case

Julius Mkhwanazi accused of influencing co-accused

Previously, Briefly News reported that Julius Mkhwanazi has found himself at the centre of fresh allegations during his latest appearance in court. 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.

Source: Briefly News