The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a full-scale manhunt for the killers of Madlanga Commission witness Marius van der Merwe, who was gunned down outside his Brakpan home on Friday night. Police are searching for the hitmen, the person who ordered the killing, and the AK-47 rifle used in the attack.
In a media statement released on Saturday, SAPS confirmed that National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola will meet and brief the chairperson of the commission, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, on the progress of the investigation. Masemola is also expected to discuss additional safety measures for all individuals involved in the work of the commission.
According to SAPS, several specialised units – including ballistics experts, crime scene specialists, crime intelligence and the serious and violent crime unit – worked through the night collecting evidence at the scene. Police said material recovered confirmed that an AK-47 automatic rifle was used in the murder.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Van der Merwe arrived at his home just after 20:30 with his wife. As he exited the vehicle to open the gate, he was shot and sustained gunshot wounds to the upper body. He was declared dead at the scene. His wife, who was in the passenger seat, was not harmed. Police noted that nothing was taken from him, as his firearm, cellphone and wallet were found on his person.
A murder case has been opened, and SAPS said a manhunt has been launched to trace both the perpetrators and the individual believed to have ordered the hit. Police are also pursuing leads to locate the murder weapon.
General Masemola has instructed NATJOINTS co-chair Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili to urgently convene a NATJOINTS meeting over the weekend. The meeting will focus on assessing and improving security measures for commission staff and all witnesses appearing before Justice Madlanga.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the investigation is receiving priority attention as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing.
Commission Reaction
The Madlanga Commission confirmed the identity of the victim and expressed its “profound sadness” at Van der Merwe’s killing. In a statement, the commission acknowledged his contribution to exposing allegations of criminality and corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
“The Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Van der Merwe family,” spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said, noting that the commission will provide a more detailed response at a later stage.
Presidency Condemns Attack
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the murder. In a statement issued by spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the Presidency conveyed condolences to the Van der Merwe family and expressed support for efforts to strengthen protection systems for whistle-blowers and witnesses.
“The president extends his deep condolences to the family of Marius van der Merwe and wishes them strength for their recovery,” Magwenya said. He added that the government will intensify efforts to protect individuals appearing before the commission.
Ramaphosa urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
MK Party Reaction
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party described the killing as a “brutal shooting” and extended condolences to the family. MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said Van der Merwe was killed in front of his family, calling the incident a traumatic and violent ordeal.
The party linked the killing to broader concerns about witness safety, saying it should be treated as a national emergency. Ndhlela referenced previous cases, including the killing of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran, as evidence of failures to provide adequate protection.
According to the MK Party, Van der Merwe had testified against suspended EMPD Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, alleging he had ordered a murder cover-up and the dumping of a body. The party argued that the killing reflected a growing pattern of intimidation and politically motivated violence.
ANC Responds to Killing
The African National Congress (ANC) also issued a statement expressing sadness at Van der Merwe’s death. The party described the killing as a serious setback to ongoing efforts to strengthen South Africa’s criminal justice system.
“The ANC condemns this crime and calls for strengthened protection of all witnesses participating in the Commission and related investigations,” national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said.
The ANC urged law enforcement to conduct a swift and thorough investigation and reaffirmed its support for the commission’s work.
The party extended condolences to Van der Merwe’s family, friends and colleagues.
SAPS investigations continue, with law enforcement agencies intensifying efforts to track down the suspects behind the killing.
