South Africa News: More People Are Dying Connected To The Murder Of Emmanuel Mbhense Who Was Allegedly Killed By JMPD Officers

While the community is reeling with shock and disbelief following the death of Wiandre Pretorius at the petrol station in Ekurhuleni, he becomes the third person to die implicated at the Madlanga Commission.

Pretorius was mentioned in connection with testimony given by the late Marius van der Merwe, relating to a 2022 murder case of Emmanuel Mbense (51), a father of five who was allegedly tortured and murdered by law enforcement and private security officers before being dumped in a dam.

The first witness to die relating to the Mbhense murder case was Jaco Hanekom.

Hanekom was killed after exposing an unlawful operation by the EMPD in Meyerton where copper cables were confiscated. The illegal operation was caught on surveillance camera and stored in a hard drive.

The second person to die in connection to this matter was Van der Merwe, who testified as Witness D before the Madlanga Commission.

He was gunned down outside his home in Brakpan.

Pretorius becomes the third person to die relating to this matter.

His death comes just days after a dramatic and violent incident in which he narrowly escaped an apparent assassination attempt.

On Thursday, unidentified gunmen allegedly opened fire on his Isuzu vehicle, with approximately 16 bullets striking the car.

Pretorius survived the attack and managed to flee the scene, raising serious concerns about his safety at the time.

Police confirm an inquest docket has been registered after a 41-year-old man allegedly shot and killed himself at a filling station in Brakpan on Saturday, 07 February 2025,” said SAPS national spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

“All role players, including police detectives and forensic experts, attended the crime scene. This matter is under investigation.”