Suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and four co-accused remain in custody for the long weekend while a bail-related dispute is heard in connection with the 2022 murder of Emmanuel Mbense. According to reporting, the parties are at odds over how the alleged offence should be classified, with the prosecution arguing it should be treated as a Schedule 6 offence and the defence taking a different position.
The dispute affects the accused’s bail prospects and leads to the immediate continuation of their detention through the weekend. The matter centers on the legal categorisation of the charges connected to Mbense’s death, rather than a final decision on guilt. Until the court resolves the bail issue, the five accused stay behind bars.
The case involves multiple accused and is currently proceeding through the pre-trial stage, with the next steps depending on the outcome of the court’s determination regarding the offence classification and its implications for bail.
