Julius Mkhwanazi fired as EMPD deputy chief while in custody over murder charges

Johannesburg – Suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi has been dismissed from his position. 

Mkhwanazi had been suspended since 11 November 2025 and is currently in custody after being denied bail earlier this week. 

He and five co-accused are facing criminal charges linked to the murder of businessman Emmanuel Mbense. 

Mkhwanazi faces charges of murder, robbery and defeating the ends of justice in connection with Mbense’s death. 

Suspended EMPD Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi has been fired. eNCA’s @pule_jones has more details. Tune in to #eNCA on #DStv403. pic.twitter.com/jCgml9YTCw

— eNCA (@eNCA) September 18, 2026

Mbense was allegedly killed at his home in Brakpan in April 2022 before his body was dumped at a dam near Nigel. 

Mkhwanazi is also facing several other criminal matters in which he had previously been granted bail. 

The former metro police deputy chief has also been implicated in evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations of criminality and corruption within the criminal justice system. 

Mkhwanazi’s dismissal comes while the criminal case against him and his co-accused is still before the courts.

Picture: Screengrab

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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi

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