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42m ago

Key Madlanga Commission Witness Assassinated as Police Launch Manhunt and Security Review

Ramaphosa pledges tougher safeguards for whistleblowers following the Brakpan killing.

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, chair of the judicial commission of inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen
Killed for crime fighting. Marius van der Merwe. Picture: Hein Kaiser
The Madlanga commission began public hearings in September
The judicial commission was set up to investigate explosive claims by a a top cop linking politicians to criminal gangs

Overview

  • Police identified the victim as 41-year-old Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D, who was shot outside his Brakpan home with an AK-47 while his family was unharmed.
  • Van der Merwe testified in November that suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi ordered him to dispose of a detainee’s body after a 2022 custodial death, allegations Mkhwanazi denies.
  • SAPS opened a murder case, launched a manhunt, and said nearby CCTV captured a suspected getaway vehicle, with no arrests reported.
  • National Commissioner Fannie Masemola ordered an urgent NATJOINTS meeting on witness security and will brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on protection measures.
  • The killing drew fresh calls from parties, unions and civil society for stronger protections as some witnesses indicated they may withdraw, following a prior attempt on van der Merwe’s life two weeks earlier.