Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

Julius Mkhwanazi back in court over Emmanuel Mbense murder

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and five co-accused are expected back in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court this morning as their bail application resumes in connection with the 2022 murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense. 

The proceedings are scheduled to continue with final arguments before the court considers whether to grant bail to the six accused. The matter was postponed last week after the State and defence presented arguments in the bail proceedings. 

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The accused face serious charges arising from the alleged abduction and murder of Mbense, who was killed at his Brakpan home in April 2022. His body was allegedly dumped in a dam near Nigel after the attack. The charges include murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the ends of justice. 

Last week, the State’s case took a new direction after the investigating officer’s affidavit was read into the record, according to EWN. Senior prosecutor Nceba Ntelwa read Sotheni’s affidavit into the record, which helped bolster the State’s case in opposing bail. 

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What happens today?

The focus at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court today is expected to be on the final submissions in the bail application.  

Once arguments are concluded, the magistrate will decide whether the six accused should be released on bail or remain in custody pending further proceedings. At the time of publication, there have been no reports on the bail decision.  

The case remains closely watched because of the serious nature of the allegations and its links to evidence heard during the Madlanga Commission. 

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