Juan Maree Eksteen denies role in Emmanuel Mbense murder as bail hearing is postponed

Juan Maree Eksteen, a suspended officer from the South African Police Service (SAPS) flying squad, has officially denied all charges related to the brutal murder of Emmanuel Mbense. Appearing in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Thursday, Eksteen joined five other defendants implicated in the 2022 crime.

The prosecution alleges that Mbense was kidnapped and subjected to fatal torture in Brakpan during April 2022. Investigators believe his body was subsequently disposed of in a local dam.

High-Profile Defendants Under Fire

Eksteen is the sixth person to be charged in this case. She stood alongside Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended Deputy Chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, and four other co-accused: Keisha-Leigh Stols, Cobus Van Rensburg, Adrian MacKenzie, and Bhekokwakhe Sibande.

During the proceedings, Eksteen's legal representative made it clear that his client intends to plead not guilty. The defense argued that the state's evidence is insufficient to secure a conviction.

Weak Evidence and Legal Delays

The defense team has characterized the prosecution's case as fragile. They pointed out that the primary link between Eksteen and the crime relies on statements from a deceased witness, Mr. Marius van der Merwe.

All six suspects will remain in custody for the time being. Mkhwanazi, who has faced arrest on four separate occasions, also remains behind bars as the legal process unfolds.

The court has scheduled the continuation of the bail hearing for 18 August 2026. This postponement allows further time for the legal teams to prepare as the high-profile murder trial continues to grip the Gauteng community.