Emmanuel Mbense was brutally killed on April 15, 2022. His body was discovered the following day in Duduza Dam in Nigel, Gauteng. His car keys and driver’s licence were in his pocket.
Image: AfriForum
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has welcomed swift action by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in implementing disciplinary measures against two constables implicated in the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbense in Ekurhuleni.
The police watchdog said the sanctions followed its investigation into Mbense’s death, with SAPS moving quickly to act on recommendations issued in terms of the IPID Act.
“IPID welcomes the expeditious action by the South African Police Services in implementing the IPID recommendations to institute disciplinary sanctions against their two members, implicated in the alleged murder of Emmanuel Mbense in 2022 in Ekurhuleni,” the directorate said.
IPID confirmed that it had finalised its probe and, on February 3, 2026, referred its report to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision on possible criminal charges. At the same time, it issued disciplinary recommendations to both SAPS and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
“After concluding its investigation on the murder of Emmanuel Mbense, IPID referred its finalised investigation report to the DPP on for a decision as well as the negative recommendations report to both SAPS and EMPD to institute disciplinary sanctions against their members.”
In line with Section 30 of the IPID Act 1 of 2011, both law enforcement bodies were required to initiate disciplinary proceedings within 30 days and report progress to the Minister of Police and IPID leadership.
“Within 30 days of receipt of the disciplinary recommendations from IPID, the employer must institute disciplinary proceedings against the officers and provide progress report in writing to the Minister of Police and a copy to the Executive Director of IPID,” IPID said.
The investigation identified 12 suspects, including four SAPS members, three EMPD officers and five private citizens. Of the SAPS members, only two remain in service, with the others deceased, limiting disciplinary action to the two constables.
“SAPS provided a written report to IPID dated April 7, 2026, to confirm the disciplinary sanctions imposed on their two members who hold the ranks of Constable,” IPID confirmed.
However, the identities of the officers have not been disclosed pending a prosecutorial decision.
“However, the two cannot be named as IPID is still awaiting a decision from the NPA for a prosecution,” it added.
Mbense, who had been implicated in a business robbery in Boksburg on 14 April 2022, was allegedly killed days later.
“Emmanuel Mbense was allegedly killed by members of EMPD on 22 April 2022 and his body dumped at a dam in Germiston allegedly at the instruction of EMPD Officers,” IPID said.
While SAPS has complied with the recommendations, IPID noted that EMPD has yet to provide feedback on disciplinary steps against its members.
“EMPD is yet to provide IPID with a report on the outcome of the disciplinary recommendations against their members,” the directorate said.
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