Fourth arrest of suspended EMPD Deputy Chief demands immediate action

Issued by Khathutshelo Rasilingwane MPL – DA Mayoral Candidate for Ekurhuleni
05 Aug 2026 in Press Statements

The DA wants to know how many more times Julius Mkhwanazi has to be arrested, before Ekurhuleni’s ANC Mayor cuts his purse strings, and brings a motion to council to have him fired.

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been arrested today, again. He, alongside four other suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged 2022 murder of Immanuel Mbense and the disposal of his body in a river.

This latest arrest is yet another damning indictment of the crisis within the EMPD. It is simply unacceptable that Mkhwanazi, who is suspended and continues to receive a full taxpayer-funded salary, has now been arrested for the fourth time on serious criminal allegations. How many more arrests will it take before the City stops paying Mkhwanazi and finally acts in the public interest?

We look forward to the accused’s next court appearance.

This is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of repeated criminal allegations involving Mkhwanazi.

Public confidence in the justice system demands that accountability no longer be delayed.

How many criminal allegations must pile up before the City finally finds the courage to act and end what has become a painful national embarrassment for Ekurhuleni?

The fact that this is Mkhwanazi’s fourth arrest is so ridiculous that it would be hilarious were it not such a disgraceful failure of accountability.

This is another step towards cleaning up Ekurhuleni. One by one, those who have undermined our City will be held accountable.

On 4 November, voters have the power to remove Ekurhuleni’s corrupt government, where an EMPD Deputy Chief has now been arrested for the fourth time in a matter of months, and elect a DA-led administration that is honest, accountable, transparent, and committed to delivering quality services to the people of Ekurhuleni.