Madlanga Commission told IPID learned of Mbhense killing only weeks later

By Johnathan Paoli

IPID investigator Nomsa Masuku told the Madlanga Commission on Thursday that her office only learnt of Emmanuel Mbhense’s alleged extrajudicial killing weeks after he died.

That delay, she said, hampered the police watchdog’s opportunity to secure key evidence and forced investigators to reconstruct events long after the scene had been lost.

“SAPS knew of the murder hours after it happened but did not notify IPID,” said Masuku, while being led in evidence by Advocate Mahlape Sello, SC.

ALSO READ: Nine suspects to appear in court over R75m Alfred Nzo municipal fleet scandal

“Had this been reported on time, it would have saved time. I had to close the gaps.”

She added: “Even if I got it after two days, it was too late.”

By the time IPID became involved, Mbhense had already been buried, she said.

The commission has previously heard testimony that alleged criminal Mbhense was