The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested five suspects in connection with the 2022 murder of Brakpan resident Emmanuel Mbense.
The arrests were made on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, following an extensive investigation into the case.
According to IPID, the five suspects include members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and a private citizen. They are expected to appear before the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 6 August 2026.
The accused face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice. They are alleged to have been involved in Mbense’s murder, the dumping of his body at Spaarwater Dam in Duduza, Nigel, and failing to report the crime.
IPID said Mbense had been implicated in a business robbery in Boksburg North, leading to a police raid at his home on 14 April 2022. He disappeared on the same day, and his body was discovered the following day by a passerby at Spaarwater Dam.
After completing its investigation, IPID submitted its final report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in February 2026 for a decision on prosecution.
The watchdog also recommended that both SAPS and EMPD institute disciplinary proceedings against the officers implicated in the matter in accordance with Section 30 of the IPID Act 1 of 2011.
The Act requires employers to begin disciplinary proceedings within 30 days of receiving IPID’s recommendations and to provide written progress reports to the Minister of Police, with copies sent to the Executive Director of IPID.
According to IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping, SAPS submitted a report in April 2026 confirming that disciplinary sanctions had been imposed on two members who held the rank of sergeant.
However, while EMPD acknowledged receipt of IPID’s recommendations, it has not yet submitted a report detailing the outcome of its disciplinary proceedings against the implicated members.
IPID said further details relating to the case will be presented during court proceedings.
