IPID arrests 5 suspects in connection with Mbense murder
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) announced on Wednesday that it has arrested five suspects for the alleged murder of Emmanuel Mbense.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the suspects, who are members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a private citizen, face a charge of murder and defeating the ends of justice.
"They allegedly played a role in the murder of Emmanuel Mbense, the dumping of his body at Spaarwater Dam in Duduza, in Nigel, and failing to report a crime," said Suping.
"It is further alleged that Emmanuel Mbense was implicated in a business robbery in Boksburg North, hence the raid of his home by police on 14 April 2022."
She said Mbense disappeared the day of the raid, and his body was discovered the next day by a passerby.
"After concluding its investigation, IPID referred the finalised investigation report to the DPP in February 2026 for a decision."
She said IPID recommended that both the EMPD and SAPS launch disciplinary proceedings against the members.
Suping said the suspects were expected to appear in the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Thursday.
RECOUNTING WITNESS D'S TESTIMONY
During his appearance before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, Marius van der Merwe, then known only as Witness D, told the commission that he became a state witness after helping dispose of a body he said was killed during an off-the-books operation involving Ekurhuleni Metro police officers.
Witness D’s evidence corroborated earlier testimony by retired deputy chief Revo Spies that groups of officers were involved in violent crimes, including robberies and killings.
He described a specific incident in Brakpan in which a suspect in a warehouse robbery was detained, tortured and later found dead.
According to Witness D, officers, including named EMPD members and two unidentified SAPS Brakpan members, entered a house after tracing a white truck allegedly used in a warehouse robbery.
He added that the suspect admitted to transporting stolen property and attempted to bribe officers with R500 000.
He told the commission the suspect was then taken to a bedroom, where officers applied a plastic bag over his head — a method the witness described as “tubing”-- to force him to talk.
When the search did not locate the stolen stock, the witness said the suspect was later found dead.
Van der Walt said some officers discussed finding a firearm to plant at the scene and that an attempt was made to have a paramedic declare the man dead.
He described an immediate effort by members present to coordinate how to "deal" with the scene.
Van der Merwe told the commission that a senior EMPD official, whom he said was introduced to him that evening, instructed that the body be disposed of “in a mineshaft or dumped in a dam".
Witness D was assassinated shortly after his testimony at the commission.
Matipandile Sotheni has since been arrested and charged for the 2025 killing.
Additional reporting by Anastasi Mokgobu
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