Witness at police criminality inquiry killed

The murder on Friday of whistle-blower Marius van der Merwe, also known as witness D who testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police corruption and criminal collusion, has led to an urgent police meeting to discuss how to prevent more whistle-blowers from being gunned down. The Citizen reports that Van der Merwe, who was shot in an apparent hit outside his home, implicated suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) top policeman Julius Mkhwanazi in criminal activity. Police confirmed an AK47 rifle was used in the shooting. ‘He was certified dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the car, escaped unharmed and it should be noted that nothing was taken from witness D, seeing that his firearm, cellphone and wallet were still in his possession,’ the government’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPSC) said in a statement. Mkhwanazi has distanced himself from the murder. He yesterday told News24 all he wanted was to concentrate on the commission and prove his innocence.

A case of murder has been registered and police have launched a manhunt for the gunmen and those who ordered it. According to The Citizen, police are also looking for the murder weapon. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola ordered an urgent National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) meeting to discuss witness protection. ‘General Masemola will utilise the opportunity to also discuss efforts to improve and enhance safety and security measures for all roleplayers at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry,’ the JCPSC said. Van der Merwe testified in November that Mkhwanazi had ordered him to dispose of the body of a suspect who died in police custody in 2022. Fearing for his life, the former EMPD officer and private security firm owner said he complied with the order and dumped the body in a dam.

Several Madlanga Commission witnesses have expressed their intention to withdraw from testifying after the hit. It is understood he was not offered state protection. The Citizen has learnt that witnesses who have yet to testify have also not been given protection and now fear for their lives. Sources say some of the witnesses have already received threats. One witness claimed their home had been broken into recently, just days after they found their alarm system had been tampered with. The witness has also apparently been followed and has hired private security to protect themselves and their family. Another said they had incriminating evidence that they wanted to present to the commission but feared they would be next on the hit list. The commission has not responded to requests for comment on witness safety.