DNA linked Pretorius

DNA Evidence Allegedly Linked Pretorius to Mbense Murder Scene, Court Hears
JOHANNESBURG — An IPID senior investigator has told the court that DNA evidence allegedly placed Wiandre Pretorius inside the bedroom of murdered businessman Emmanuel Mbense on the night he was killed.
Pretorius was previously identified by Madlanga Commission witness Marius Van Der Merwe, known as Witness D, as one of the people allegedly present at Mbense’s Brakpan home during an attack involving SAPS, EMPD and private security personnel.
IPID Senior Investigator Nomsa Masuku took the stand after the State reopened its bail application against suspended EMPD deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi and his five co-accused.
Masuku told the court that a DNA sample allegedly returned a positive match to Pretorius. She further testified that investigators were informed Pretorius had seen the DNA report linking him to Mbense’s bedroom before he died by suicide.
“That sample came back positive to Wiandre Pretorius,” Masuku told the court.
According to Masuku, one of the reasons investigators were given for Pretorius taking his own life was that he had allegedly become aware of the DNA evidence implicating him at the scene.
The investigator also alleged that Pretorius may have obtained sight of the DNA report through his wife, Juan-Maree Eksteen, who is now accused number six in the case.
The court has previously heard allegations from Witness D that Mbense was assaulted for approximately five hours during the attack at his Brakpan residence. His body was allegedly later dumped in a dam near Nigel.
Mkhwanazi and his co-accused face serious charges, including murder, robbery and defeating the ends of justice.
The allegations remain before the court, and the accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.