The suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has confirmed that he was on the scene in Brakpan in the early hours of Tuesday, when a man later identified as Emmanuel Mbense is alleged to have been tortured and murdered. We first learned of Mkhwanazi’s admission during testimony before the Madlanga Commission, a body set up to investigate the disturbing death that has rocked the community and sparked a nationwide outcry. According to the former deputy chief, a frantic call about a recovered truck prompted him to drive to the location at about 2 am, where a huddle of EMPD officers, SAPS members and private security personnel were already gathered.
Mkhwanazi told commissioners that, upon arrival, he found the area already swarming with law‑enforcement and security figures. He claims the presence of the convoy was not part of any official EMPD operation, and that he did not take control of the scene nor produce any written record of his observations. The former deputy chief stressed that his role was limited to “rushing to the scene” after the call, denying any involvement in what would later be described by witnesses as a gruesome act of violence.
The case centres on the death of Emmanuel Mbense, a 31‑year‑old man whose body was later found in a dam near the township. A key witness, who had earlier told the commission that Mbense had been tortured and murdered, went on record stating that Mkhwanazi had ordered the corpse to be hidden in the water to conceal the crime. That same informant was shot dead weeks after giving his testimony, a development that has deepened suspicions of a cover‑up and prompted calls for a full‑scale forensic investigation.
Our sources indicate that the Madlanga Commission is now wrestling with a troubling lack of documentation. Missing records, gaps in the chain‑of‑custody logs and absent CCTV footage have left investigators scrambling to piece together a coherent timeline. Commission officials have openly questioned whether Mkhwanazi was fully transparent, noting that his admission of presence—without any written report—creates a “dangerous void” in the evidentiary trail.
Adding to the pressure, community leaders in Brakpan have staged a series of protests, demanding answers from both the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department and the national police. Residents argue that the failure to secure the scene, coupled with the rapid disappearance of crucial evidence, indicates a broader pattern of impunity within law‑enforcement structures. “We cannot allow a deputy chief to walk away unscathed after such a night,” said a spokesperson for the local civic movement, echoing a sentiment that resonates across the province.
Legal experts we consulted warn that the fallout could extend far beyond the immediate case. The principle of “command responsibility”—which holds senior officers accountable for crimes committed under their watch—may become a focal point if further inquiries reveal that Mkhwanazi had knowledge of, or directed, the illicit disposal of Mbense’s body. Should the commission uncover concrete proof of such directives, the repercussions could include criminal charges, disciplinary action, and perhaps a landmark ruling for victims’ families.
Meanwhile, the SAPS has initiated an internal audit of the incident, pledging to review all relevant logs, radio transcripts and vehicle tracking data. In a brief statement, the police underscored their commitment to “full transparency and accountability”, signalling that the matter will not evaporate quietly. The audit, however, faces its own challenges: many of the officers present on the night in question have been transferred or are themselves under scrutiny for unrelated allegations, complicating the task of gathering reliable testimonies.
For families of the deceased, the pursuit of truth has become a painful marathon. Mbense’s relatives have repeatedly urged the commission to “stop the delays” and provide a clear narrative of what transpired at that remote intersection. Their grief is compounded by the grim reality that the sole eyewitness to the alleged torture now lies dead, a circumstance that investigators say could point to a broader network of intimidation tactics aimed at silencing dissent.
Julius Mkhwanazi’s admission fuels fresh calls for accountability
The revelation that Julius Mkhwanazi was at the Brakpan location has reignited public scrutiny of the entire investigation. Critics argue that his confession—while a step toward transparency—does little to explain why no official report was ever filed. Civil society groups contend that the deputy chief’s presence, without any subsequent documentation, suggests a “deliberate omission” designed to protect senior officers or shield the truth from public view.
Our newsroom has reached out to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police for comment on the missing paperwork and the implications of Mkhwanazi’s statements. A spokesperson replied that an internal review is already underway and that “any misconduct will be dealt with in accordance with the law.” The response, however, has done little to calm the mounting anger among those who see the episode as another illustration of systemic failure.
International observers have taken note, with several human‑rights organisations flagging the case as indicative of a “culture of impunity” within South African policing. They have called on the South African government to bolster oversight mechanisms, ensure witness protection, and guarantee that the families of victims receive the justice they deserve. The spotlight on this particular tragedy could, they argue, serve as a catalyst for broader reform.
While the Madlanga Commission continues its hearings, the courtroom atmosphere remains tense. Mkhwanazi, who has consistently denied any involvement beyond being present, answered questions with a calm that many interpreted as evasive. “I was there, but I did not act,” he reiterated, a statement that, in the eyes of many, does not absolve him of responsibility for what transpired after his arrival.
The mystery surrounding Emmanuel Mbense’s death remains unresolved, with the dam still holding the only physical evidence that may yet tell the full story. For now, the community’s patience wears thin, and the demand for a conclusive, transparent inquiry grows louder with each passing day. As SA Report continues to monitor the developments, we will keep our readers informed of any new revelations that could finally bring closure to a case that has haunted Brakpan and the nation at large.