Marius Van Der Merwe Murder: Police Question Person of Interest Over Witness D’s Assassination
- Major General Fannie Masemola confirmed that law enforcement officers are on the trail of those who killed Marius van der Merwe
- The security industry member was gunned down by AK-47-wielding men outside his home in Brakpan on Friday, 5 December 2025
- Van der Merwe, who many knew as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry’s Witness D, recently testified against Julius Mkhwanazi
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The South African Police Service (SAPS) is closing in on arresting those responsible for the murder of Marius van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe, who many knew as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry’s Witness D, was shot dead outside his Brakpan home on Friday, 5 December 2025. The security industry member was gunned down by AK-47-wielding men a month after he testified before the commission.
His testimony, which was done remotely and with his identity withheld, focused on the suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi.
Police take in person of interest for questioning
Speaking during a special media briefing on Monday, 08 December 2025, General Fannie Masemola explained that one person of interest was being taken in for questioning. Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, made the announcement at a press briefing in Saulsville, at the site of a mass shooting which left 12 people dead on 6 December 2025.
Masemola also confirmed that police had identified three suspects who were linked to the murder of the security industry member.
“We are confident that soon we will register a breakthrough as police remain on high alert for those behind the killing of Mr Van Der Merwe. Safe to say, investigations are on the right track," Masemola said.
Masemila also confirmed that together with the Madlanga Commission, SAPS was developing a plan to heighten and enhance security around officials and witnesses linked to the ongoing commission. The commission will resume hearings in 2026.
Masemola and other senior officials also met with the famiy of the security industry member, to brief them on updates into the investigation.
Massive operation launched for murder suspects
Following van der Merwe’s assassination, the police activated a National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, the highest security structure, to investigate the murder. NATJOINTS includes officers and intelligence at the most senior levels in the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also called on law enforcement agencies to establish the circumstances behind what he described as a heinous act.
Other stories about van der Merwe's murder
- President Cyril Ramaphosa promised more security for witnesses and whistleblowers following van der Merwe's murder.
- Mbuyiseni Ndlozi reacted strongly to the killing of van der Merwe, who was gunned down outside his him on 5 December 2025.
- Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi distanced himself from the murder of van der Merwe, claiming that he did not know him personally.
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Source: Briefly News
