Overview
- Police confirmed Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe was shot dead outside his Brakpan home on Friday night in front of his family, with an AK‑47 used and suspects fleeing in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie with a canopy.
- Van der Merwe, known as Witness D, had testified in November that suspended Ekurhuleni metro police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi ordered the disposal of a body after a 2022 custody death, allegations Mkhwanazi denies.
- SAPS launched a manhunt and mobilised forensic resources as National Commissioner Fannie Masemola convened an urgent NATJOINTS meeting and prepared to brief Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga on the investigation and witness safety.
- Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said Van der Merwe was offered state protection but declined, and signalled a review of how the commission handles anonymity and security for witnesses.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the assassination and pledged stronger protections, while several prospective witnesses voiced fear and indicated they may withdraw from the commission.