Julius Mkhwanazi arrested again over alleged murder cover-up after the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) arrested the suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief over his alleged role in the cover-up of the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbense.

Mkhwanazi is among five suspects arrested in connection with the alleged murder, disposal of the victim’s body, and an alleged attempt to conceal the circumstances surrounding the incident. The group includes members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a private citizen.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where they will face charges that include murder and defeating the ends of justice.

The latest arrest marks another significant development in a high-profile investigation that has attracted national attention following explosive testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi arrested by IPID

The Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi was arrested during an operation led by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), South Africa’s police watchdog responsible for investigating alleged criminal conduct involving law enforcement officers.

According to an official IPID statement, five individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in the killing of Emmanuel Mbense, the disposal of his body at Spaarwater Dam in Duduza near Nigel, and the alleged failure to report the crime.

IPID stated that investigators believe the suspects played different roles in both the alleged murder and the subsequent efforts to conceal what had happened.

Authorities confirmed the accused will now face prosecution while investigations continue into additional aspects of the case.

IPID arrests five suspects linked to Emmanuel Mbense murder

The IPID arrests follow years of investigation into the death of Emmanuel Mbense, who allegedly died during an interrogation involving police officers and EMPD officials in April 2022.

According to investigators, Mbense was allegedly tortured after being linked to a warehouse robbery.

Evidence presented during previous legal proceedings suggested that Mbense allegedly attempted to negotiate with officers by offering a substantial cash payment before his death.

Following the incident, investigators allege that efforts were made to dispose of his body and conceal evidence rather than immediately reporting the death.

The latest arrests indicate that investigators believe sufficient evidence now exists to pursue criminal charges against those allegedly involved.

Emmanuel Mbense murder investigation returns to spotlight

The Emmanuel Mbense murder investigation first attracted widespread public attention during testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Former police officer Marius van der Merwe, previously identified as Witness D before his death in December last year, gave detailed evidence regarding the events surrounding Mbense’s death.

Van der Merwe alleged that Mbense was suffocated during questioning after a plastic bag was repeatedly placed over his head.

His testimony further claimed that following Mbense’s death, police informer Jaco Hanekom contacted Julius Mkhwanazi, who later arrived at the property where the incident allegedly occurred.

According to Van der Merwe, discussions allegedly took place about removing the body from the property.

He further testified that the body was loaded onto a vehicle before being transported to Spaarwater Dam near Nigel, where it was allegedly dumped.

These allegations now form part of the broader criminal investigation being pursued by IPID.

Julius Mkhwanazi’s version of events

Throughout previous legal proceedings, Julius Mkhwanazi has denied involvement in the alleged cover-up.

According to his earlier testimony, he received a telephone call from police informer Jaco Hanekom informing him of what was described as “a success.”

Mkhwanazi stated that he briefly visited the property, spoke only with Hanekom at the entrance, and then left shortly afterwards.

He maintained that although he observed EMPD vehicles at the scene, he did not interact with any officers present and did not witness any criminal activity.

Mkhwanazi also stated that he drove further down the street before leaving because he believed someone might attempt to remove property from a truck connected to the robbery investigation.

He insisted that he left frustrated because SAPS officers were already handling the operation and claimed it was not an official EMPD investigation.

Those claims are expected to be tested as criminal proceedings continue.

Brakpan Magistrate’s Court to hear the case

The accused are expected to make their first appearance before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court, where prosecutors are expected to formally present the charges.

The suspects face allegations including:

• Murder
• Defeating the ends of justice
• Failure to report a crime

Further charges may be added should investigators uncover additional evidence during the ongoing investigation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will determine how the prosecution proceeds following the suspects’ first court appearance.

Defeating the ends of justice allegations explained

One of the key allegations against the accused relates to defeating the ends of justice, a criminal offence involving actions intended to obstruct or interfere with the proper administration of justice.

Investigators allege that after Emmanuel Mbense died, steps were taken to remove his body and conceal the circumstances surrounding his death instead of immediately reporting the incident to authorities.

If proven in court, such actions could significantly increase the seriousness of the criminal case against those involved.

The allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Fourth arrest for Julius Mkhwanazi

The latest development marks the fourth time Julius Mkhwanazi has reportedly been arrested in connection with various investigations.

His repeated legal challenges have placed renewed focus on accountability within municipal law enforcement agencies and the role of independent oversight bodies such as IPID.

The case has also renewed public debate about allegations of police misconduct, abuse of power, and the importance of ensuring transparency when deaths occur during police operations.

Legal experts expect the matter to attract significant public attention as it progresses through the courts.

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Investigation continues

While the arrests represent a major milestone in the investigation, IPID has indicated that inquiries remain ongoing.

Investigators continue gathering evidence to establish the full circumstances surrounding Emmanuel Mbense’s death and determine whether additional individuals should face prosecution.

The outcome of the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court proceedings will likely shape the next phase of what has become one of South Africa’s most closely watched police misconduct investigations.

As the criminal justice process unfolds, the courts will ultimately determine the guilt or innocence of those accused, while IPID continues its mandate to investigate alleged wrongdoing involving members of South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.