By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The suspended deputy Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) chief Julius Mkhwanazi and his five co-accused have been denied bail in the Emmanuel Mbense murder case.
The six appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
Magistrate Colin Mashego delivered his judgment, finding that the accused had not placed sufficient evidence before the court to warrant their release on bail.
“The court is satisfied that neither applicant one, two, three, four, five, nor six has shown exceptional circumstances, and then the matter comes to a cul-de-sac,” Mashego ruled.
The six accused are charged in connection with Mbense’s death in April 2022.
They face charges including murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
Mbense was tortured before sustaining blunt force injuries that resulted in his death.
Evidence presented at the bail proceedings included allegations that the accused acted with common purpose in Mbense’s killing and in efforts to dispose of his body.
The matter has also featured prominently at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of criminality and corruption within the criminal justice system.
Mkhwanazi remains in custody despite being granted R10 000 bail on Monday in a separate blue-lights fraud and corruption matter in Germiston. The six accused will remain behind bars pending further court proceedings.
Meanwhile sergeant Fannie Nkosi, a suspended organised crime unit member, has informed the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court that he intends to make representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions to have all charges against him reconsidered. The court postponed the case to 15 October 2026.