Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and his five co-accused have been denied bail in the case involving the 2022 murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense.
The Brakpan Magistrate’s Court handed down its decision on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, meaning all six accused will remain behind bars as the criminal case continues.
Mkhwanazi is accused alongside Bhekokwakhe Sibande, Cobus Janse van Rensburg, Adrian MacKenzie, Keisha-Leigh Stols and Juan-Maré Eksteen.
They face charges including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. (The Citizen)
The charges relate to the death of 52-year-old businessman Emmanuel Mbense in April 2022.
The State alleges that Mbense was targeted after his truck was linked to the theft of copper worth millions of rand from a warehouse in Brakpan.
Prosecutors allege a group that included police officers, EMPD members and private security personnel went to Mbense’s home, where he was interrogated about the stolen copper and allegedly assaulted and tortured.
His body was later dumped at Spaarwater Dam near Nigel, according to the State’s case. (The Citizen)
During the lengthy bail proceedings, the State opposed the release of the accused and raised concerns including the possibility of interference with witnesses.
An IPID investigator previously told the court that Mkhwanazi’s senior position within the EMPD could give him influence over potential witnesses. (SABC News)
Mkhwanazi has denied the allegations against him and previously argued that the case against him was weak and politically motivated. He maintained that he was not a flight risk. (SABC News)
The bail refusal is particularly significant for Mkhwanazi because he has secured bail in other criminal matters against him but remained in custody while awaiting the outcome of the Mbense bail application.
Just a day before the Brakpan ruling, the Germiston Magistrate’s Court granted him R10,000 bail in the separate blue-lights case. (The Citizen)
With bail now refused in the Mbense matter, Mkhwanazi and his five co-accused remain in custody while they continue to face the serious allegations surrounding the businessman’s death.
The charges against all six remain allegations and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
