The family of Emmanuel Mbense has welcomed the arrest of five suspects, including suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi, describing the development as a major step towards justice.
The suspects are currently appearing at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court in connection with Mbense’s 2022 murder.
Mbense’s family thanked KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, saying his explosive media briefing in July 2025 led to the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where they first learned details of how Emmanuel was allegedly murdered before his body was dumped.
“We have been waiting for this for a long time. There were moments when our faith was tested, and we wondered whether justice would ever be served. But now the justice system is finally moving in the right direction. I thank God for bringing us to this point, and I also thank Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi because, without his July 6 press briefing, we might not be where we are today,” said Mbense’s brother, Nhlanhla Mbense.
According to investigators, Mbense was allegedly kidnapped, tortured to death during an interrogation before his body was dumped in a river in Duduza, Nigel, on Gauteng’s East Rand.
No tags for this post.
