IPID recommends sanctions for officers following torture and murder of Emmanuel Mbhense

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken disciplinary action against two of its members implicated in the Madlanga Commission for being involved in the murder of Emmanuel Mbhense.

Mbhense, who was implicated in a business robbery in Boksburg in 2022, was allegedly tortured to death by SAPS and Ekurhuleni metro police members before his body was dumped at a dam in Germiston.

READ: 'South Africa will never understand': IPID investigator details threats following Mbense case

The details of Mbhense's killing came to light during the testimony of the late Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D.

A few weeks after testifying at the Madlanga Commission about the cover-up, Van der Merwe was shot and killed outside his home.

Police watchdog IPID said that four SAPS members were implicated in Mbhense's murder; however, two have since died.

IPID spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, said: “After concluding its investigation on the murder of Emmanuel Mbense, IPID referred its finalised investigation report to the DPP on 3 February 2026 for a decision, as well as the negative recommendations report to both SAPS and EMPD to institute disciplinary sanctions against their members."