Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested alongside four other suspects in connection with the alleged torture and murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense in 2022.
The arrests were carried out on Wednesday by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). The group includes a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer, other law enforcement officials, and a private citizen. The suspects are expected to face charges of murder as well as defeating the ends of justice.
Following their arrest, the five suspects were taken to the Brakpan police station and are expected to appear in court to answer to the serious allegations against them.
According to investigators, Mbense was allegedly tortured to death during an operation involving members of the SAPS, the EMPD, and private civilians. After his death, his body was reportedly dumped in a dam in an attempt to conceal the crime.
The allegations surrounding Mbense’s killing first gained widespread public attention during testimony presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Witnesses who appeared before the commission claimed that several law enforcement officials were directly linked to the businessman’s death, raising serious concerns about abuse of power and criminal conduct within policing structures.
The latest developments add to the growing legal troubles facing Mkhwanazi, who has found himself at the centre of multiple criminal investigations in recent months.
This marks the fourth occasion in just four months that the suspended EMPD deputy chief has been arrested or formally charged in separate criminal matters. Authorities are also pursuing internal disciplinary proceedings against him within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department.
Some of the suspects arrested alongside Mkhwanazi are also linked to another high-profile criminal case involving the alleged theft and robbery of precious stones. In that matter, Mkhwanazi is accused together with former EMPD officer Keisha Leigh Stols and suspended EMPD officer Adrian Mackenzie. That case remains before the courts as investigations continue.
The latest arrests are expected to intensify scrutiny over alleged corruption and criminal activity involving members of law enforcement agencies. IPID has been investigating the circumstances surrounding Mbense’s death for several years, and Wednesday’s arrests represent a significant step in the ongoing probe.
The case has also renewed calls for greater accountability within South Africa’s police and municipal law enforcement agencies, particularly following evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission regarding alleged misconduct by officials.
As the legal process unfolds, prosecutors are expected to present evidence relating to the alleged torture, murder, and disposal of Mbense’s body. The accused will have the opportunity to respond to the charges during their upcoming court appearances.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests should further evidence emerge. Meanwhile, the case continues to draw national attention as it highlights concerns about alleged criminal conduct by individuals entrusted with enforcing the law.
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