Madlanga Commission of Inquiry Officials Visit Family of Murdered Witness, Marius Van Der Merwe
- Two commissioners from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry visited the family of Marius van der Merwe
- Van der Merwe, who was also known as Witness D, was shot dead outside his Brakpan home on 5 December 2025
- The security industry member recently testified before the Madlanga Commission about 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 – Commissioners from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry have visited the family of Marius van der Merwe following his tragic murder.
Van der Merwe was gunned down outside his home on Friday, 5 December 2025, in full view of his family. His death came less than a month after he testified before the Madlanga Commission as Witness D.
Testifying remotely, and with his identity withheld, he provided information about suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Commissioners pay respects to van der Merwe
On Wednesday, 10 December 2025, Advocate Sesi Baloyi, Senior Counsel (SC) and Advocate Sandile Khumalo, SC, visited the family of the slain security industry member. The two commissioners were joined by Jeremy Michaels, the Head of Communication and Spokesperson for the commission, and Evidence Leader, Advocate Sello Mahlape, SC.
Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga was out of town and could not accompany the others to the home.
What did van der Merwe testify about Mkhwanazi?
During his appearance before the commission in November 2025, van der Merwe testified that Mkhwanazi ordered him to dump a dead body in a dam.
He testified that he was at a crime scene, where a robbery suspect was killed in mysterious circumstances in the presence of EMPD officers. Commissioner Mkhwanazi, who was called out to the scene, then reportedly ordered him to dispose of the body, either in a mine shaft or a dam.
He said that he complied because he feared that something would happen to him if he said no.
Source: Getty Images
What you need to know about van der Merwe's murder
- President Cyril Ramaphosa promised more security for witnesses and whistleblowers following van der Merwe's murder.
- Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi distanced himself from the murder of van der Merwe, claiming that he did not know him personally.
- Police found a bakkie abandoned in Alexandra, which they believed was used in the commission of van der Merwe’s murder.
- Police had taken in a person of interest for questioning in relation to van der Merwe's murder.
- Van Der Merwe’s sister told eNCA that he hid details about his work to protect his family after receiving numerous threats.
Minister in the Presidency says van der Merwe rejected protection offer
Briefly News reported that Khumbudzo Ntshavheni spoke out in support of the government’s witness protection programme.
The Minister in the Presidency made the comments after the brutal murder of Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D.
She explained that the Department of Justice had offered protection to Witness D, but he declined the offer.
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Source: Briefly News
