By Levy Masiteng
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has concluded its investigation into the murder of Emmanuel Mbhense and has formally referred the finalised docket to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision.
The referral, made on Wednesday, marks a significant milestone in a case that has come to symbolise alleged deep-rooted criminality within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
Mbhense, a 51-year-old father of five, was allegedly killed by EMPD officers on 22 April 2022 after being implicated in a business robbery in Boksburg North.
During hearings of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, a protected witness known as Witness D testified that Mbhense was tortured and murdered by EMPD officers, and that those involved in the operation were linked to suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Mbhense’s body was later dumped in a lake in Germiston, allegedly on the instruction of EMPD officers.
According to IPID, EMPD members were investigating the robbery at the time and Mbhense’s truck was allegedly linked to the crime.
In a media statement, IPID confirmed that the investigation had been finalised and handed over for prosecutorial consideration.
“The finalised investigation docket was referred to the DPP today, on 4 February 2026, for a decision,” IPID said.
The watchdog emphasised that the probe was conducted in line with its constitutional mandate.
“In executing its mandate, IPID is guided by the principles of independence, thoroughness, and accountability, as well as the quality and integrity of its investigations,” the directorate said.
IPID added that Mbhense’s family had been kept informed throughout the investigation.
“IPID has, in its possession, correspondence from the family, confirming that they were happy with constant feedback from the investigator,” the statement read.
The referral comes as chilling details about the Mbhense murder and other alleged crimes continue to emerge at the Madlanga Commission, which is probing alleged criminality within the EMPD.
The commission heard dramatic testimony from Witness D, whose identity has been concealed due to safety concerns.
Evidence leader Mahlape Sello told the commission that the testimony related directly to an IPID case previously referenced by former EMPD officer Marius Spies.
Witness D, a private security operator, described how an operation in April 2022 to apprehend a robbery suspect escalated into what he characterised as torture, murder and a subsequent cover-up involving EMPD officers allegedly reporting to Mkhwanazi.
He testified that the suspect pleaded for his life and offered a bribe before the situation escalated.
“That is when the atmosphere changed completely,” Witness D told the commission.
He further alleged that senior officers later instructed that the body be dumped in a dam or mineshaft, and that efforts were made to obstruct justice by concealing the true circumstances of the death.
Witness D also testified about an alleged systemic extortion network involving EMPD officers and private security companies, claiming that staged robberies and fraudulent “truck recovery” operations were used to extract money from victims.
IPID said its next steps would depend on the DPP’s decision.
“Further action by IPID will be taken once the directorate has received feedback from the DPP.”
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