Five arrested over Brakpan murder as IPID says SAPS and EMPD officials implicated

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested five suspects, including SAPS and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officials, in connection with the alleged murder of Emmanuel Mbense, whose body was discovered at Spaarwater Dam in Duduza in April 2022.

The suspects, who also include a private citizen, were arrested on Wednesday and are expected to appear in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Thursday, August 6. They face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.

In a statement IPID said that the suspects allegedly played a role in Mbense's killing, the dumping of his body at Spaarwater Dam near Nigel, and failing to report the crime.

Investigators said Mbense had been linked to a business robbery in Boksburg North, prompting a police raid on his home on April 14, 2022. He disappeared on the day of the raid, and his body was discovered by a passerby the following day.

After completing its investigation, IPID referred the case docket 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 implicated officials in line with Section 30 of the IPID Act.

Under the Act, employers are required to begin disciplinary proceedings within 30 days of receiving IPID's recommendations and report progress to the Minister of Police and the IPID Executive Director.

IPID said SAPS submitted a report in April confirming disciplinary sanctions had been imposed on two members who held the rank of sergeant. However, EMPD has only acknowledged receipt of the recommendations and has yet to provide IPID with an update on disciplinary action against its members.

IPID said further details surrounding the case would be presented during court proceedings.