Five accused—including former police and EMPD Officials—In Court for Emmanuel Mbense Murder
Five co-accused, including a businessman and three former law enforcement officials, appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng facing charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and defeating the administration of justice.
The accused are local businessman Julius Doctor Mkhwanazi (50), former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) official Cobus Janse van Rensburg (42), former South African Police Service (SAPS) officials Bhekokwakhe Sibande (36) and Keisha-Leigh Stols (40), alongside Adrian Norman Mackenzie (43).
The State alleges that on 14 April 2022, the five accused assaulted and killed Emmanuel Mbense at his residence. The suspects reportedly targeted Mbense under the suspicion that he had stolen copper material from a warehouse.
After allegedly killing the victim, the accused robbed him of his personal property and cash totalling approximately R500,000. They then allegedly attempted to conceal the crime by dumping Mbense’s body at the Spaarwater Dam.
The matter has been postponed to 13 August 2026. This extension grants the State time to consider multiple applications submitted by the legal representatives of several of the accused.
