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Witness in Madlanga Probe Assassinated in Brakpan as Police Launch Manhunt

Officials are racing to fortify protection for commission witnesses after the killing raised fresh doubts about their safety.

Overview

  • Police say 41-year-old Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D, was shot outside his Brakpan home in front of his family on Friday night.
  • Investigators cite CCTV leads and are hunting suspects believed to have fled in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie after an AK-47 was used in the attack.
  • National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola convened a NATJOINTS meeting and will brief Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga on security measures and the murder investigation.
  • Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said van der Merwe was offered formal witness protection but declined it, prompting a review of how testimony is handled.
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the killing and vowed stronger safeguards as other commission witnesses report threats and consider withdrawing.