Tebogo Thobejane Reacts After Witness D at Madlanga Commission Is Shot Dead: “The System Is Broken”
- On Friday, 5 December 2025, Witness D, who had testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in November 2025, was assassinated in Brenthurst, Brakpan, Ekurhuleni
- On Saturday, 6 December 2025, Tebogo Thobejane reacted emotionally and critically to Witness D's death
- In a series of Instagram stories, Tebogo Thobejane criticised the government's spending on the Madlanga Commission instead of protecting witnesses
- Clinical psychologist Michele Naude discussed the psychological impact sharing personal struggles publicly can have on an individual’s emotional recovery and public image
Source: Instagram
Former Muvhango actress Tebogo Thobejane has reacted to the shooting of Witness D, who had testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
On Saturday, 6 December 2025, Tebogo Thobejane took to her Instagram stories to react to the tragic killing of Witness D in Brenthurst, Brakpan, Ekurhuleni.
In a series of Instagram stories, Thobejane, a survivor of an assassination attempt in 2023, mourned the death of Witness D. She lamented the flaws in South Africa’s justice system and criticised why millions were spent on the Madlanga Commission instead of protecting witnesses.
“My heart is broken. There are so many flaws in this system that it has become painful to watch. Millions are being poured into commissions while the people who have suffered under these criminals are left unprotected. Witness D’s death showed us everything we needed to know,” Tebogo Thobejane said.
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Tebogo Thobejane mourns Witness D's murder
She emphasised that Witness D’s assassination proved that South Africa’s justice system does not care about ordinary citizens. The post was captioned:
“The justice system does not care about ordinary citizens. Those inside the commission sit behind protected walls. We are the ones who bleed, bury, and fear for our lives. And somehow, we are told to stay calm and stop ‘venting.’”
Thobejane then questioned why those in power do nothing to protect people targeted by the alleged Big Five Criminal Cartel.
“What more must happen before someone in power protects the people who actually need protection. At this point we do not even know if we will all see next year alive. This is not justice. This is survival and we are tired of surviving,” Thobejane said.
Source: Instagram
Tebogo Thobejane raises alarm over safety after Witness D’s murder
She shared that she is fortunate to have friends that have been keeping her safe. Tebogo Thobejane claimed that she is being threatened and her life is still at risk.
“I am lucky because I have friends around the world who make sure I am safe. If it wasn’t for my network, I would be dead. And even with all that support, they are still trying to scare me. This is how broken the system is. And it must be spoken about,” she said.
Source: Instagram
She questioned why there is a Road Accident Fund (RAF) but no fund for people affected by violent crime or for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Tebogo Thobejane paid her last respects to Witness D, born Marius van der Merwe, and expressed her condolences to his loved ones.
“RIP in peace Marius. I didn’t know you but today I am not okay. I am sorry to your children and wife,” Tebogo Thobejane wrote.
Source: Instagram
Clinical psychologist Michele Naude told Briefly News that sharing personal struggles online has different impacts depending on the individual.
Naude shared that some people find sharing struggles empowering. She shared that understanding yourself and treating yourself with kindness can break down the shame connected to personal struggles.
Naude said opinions vary on whether personal struggles should be discussed publicly or kept private.
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi reacts to Witness D's assassination
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that Power Talk host Mbuyiseni Ndlozi reacted strongly to the killing of Witness D, who had testified before the Madlanga Commission.
Ndlozi's reaction sparked a heated discussion on social media, where users expressed fear, sadness, and frustration. Some also weighed in on the potential impact of Witness D's death on the Madlanga Commission
Source: Briefly News
