IPID investigators present evidence in Emmanuel Mbense murder case

During proceedings at the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court, investigators from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) provided testimony regarding the torture and murder of Emmanuel Mbense in April 2022.

IPID senior investigator Nomsa Masuku revealed that accused Wiandre Pretorius, a former police reservist, committed suicide after allegedly seeing a DNA report that linked him to the crime scene. The report reportedly placed Pretorius in the bedroom where the killing occurred.

Six individuals currently face charges of murder, robbery, and defeating the ends of justice. The accused include suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, several EMPD officers, former South African Police Service (SAPS) officers, and a private security owner.

Investigators noted inconsistencies in the defendants' statements. While the accused claimed to be conducting a legitimate operation to locate stock worth approximately R2.5 million, they stated they never entered the house despite remaining at the scene for several hours. IPID also testified that Mbense allegedly offered R500,000 to his killers in a plea for his life before being killed and his body dumped in the Spaarwater Dam.