By Marcus Moloko
Senior Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigator Nomsa Masuku has delivered a concerning testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, confirming that a completed case docket into the 2022 murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbhense was handed to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Despite DNA evidence and multiple identified suspects, no arrests have been made.
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Masuku testified that the NPA has refused to authorize arrests, even though investigators linked suspects to the crime scene.
She described the lack of prosecutorial action as deeply troubling, particularly given the scale of alleged police involvement.
Masuku’s testimony, corroborated by reporting from IOL News and SABC News, named several officials and individuals linked to the Mbhense case and broader “rogue unit” activities.
These include Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), accused of assisting alleged crime boss Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala with blue lights and vehicle registration;
- Major General Lesetja Senona of the South African Police Service (SAPS), implicated in broader criminal activity within the police service;
- SAPS reservist Alexander Fritz, identified as part of the rogue unit network;
- Juan-Mare Eksteen of the SAPS Flying Squad, linked to crime scene interference;
Bhekokwakhe Sibande of SAPS Brakpan, named in connection with irregular policing activities; and Captain Carla Huxley of SAPS, mentioned in relation to alleged interference at the Brakpan/Springs crime scene. - Also named were EMPD officers Bafana Twala, tied to kidnapping and extortion cases; Kecia Lee Stolls, identified in rogue unit testimony; and Adrian Mackenzie, implicated in misconduct allegations; as well as private security figure Willem Pretorius, described as part of the network.
- Former SAPS reservist Wiandre Pretorius, one of 12 original persons of interest, died by suicide in February 2026 after surviving a previous hit.
- Ekurhuleni City Manager Imogen Mashazi was accused of failing to act on Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) recommendations and allegedly threatening officials who pushed for disciplinary action.
- Alleged crime boss Matlala was said to have received state protection and logistical support from police officials.
- The primary witness, Marius van der Merwe, known as “Witness D”, was assassinated outside his home in December 2025 after testifying.
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Despite DNA evidence and warning statements obtained from suspects, the NPA has not moved forward with arrests. Masuku testified that she has sought further directives to break the deadlock.
She indicated that the investigation was marred by violence and intimidation:
Three of the 12 original persons of interest are now dead, including van der Merwe, killed “execution-style”, and Wiandre Pretorius, who died by suicide.
Masuku and her team required 24-hour protection for 14 months due to credible death threats. She recounted a December 2024 incident where her vehicle was shot at while her children were inside.
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The Madlanga Commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, continues to probe allegations of systemic corruption and criminal infiltration within law enforcement.
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