SIX ACCUSED ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN THE MURDER OF EMMANUEL MBENSE DENIED BAIL

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) successfully opposed a bail application brought by six accused persons in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court.

The six accused, Julius Doctor Mkhwanazi (50), a businessman; Cobus Janse van Rensburg (42), a former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) official; Adrian Norman Mackenzie (43); and three former South African Police Service (SAPS) officials, Bhekokwakhe Sibande (36), Keisha-Leigh Stols (40), and Juan Maree Eksteen (33) are facing charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and defeating the administration of justice.

It is alleged that on 14 April 2022, the accused assaulted and murdered Emmanuel Mbense at his residence after suspecting him of stealing copper from a warehouse. Following the alleged murder, they reportedly robbed the deceased of his personal property and approximately R500 000 in cash.

The State further alleges that the accused disposed of the deceased's body by dumping it at Spaarwater Dam.

The State opposed the accused's release on bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the offences and the risk that they might evade trial.

In delivering the bail judgment, the court found that the accused had failed to place sufficient evidence before the court to demonstrate the existence of exceptional circumstances which, in the interests of justice, would warrant their release on bail.

Consequently, bail was denied for all six accused.

The matter was postponed to 24 November 2026 for further investigation and to allow for the arrest and addition of an outstanding suspect.

Issued by:

Lumka Mahanjana

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Gauteng Division: Pretoria