Ekurhuleni Shooting: Man Tied to Witness D Testimony at Madlanga Commission Survives

• Wiandre Pretorius, an alleged SAPS informer linked to the late Witness D, survived an assassination attempt in Boksburg on Thursday, 5 February 2026
• Three gunmen allegedly opened fire on him as he arrived at a gate, but Pretorius took cover and was unharmed
• Investigations are ongoing, and SAPS would not speculate whether the incident was tied to the Madlanga Commission

EKURHULENI — Wiandre Pretorius, an alleged South African Police Service (SAPS) informer attached to the late Witness D, also known as Marius Van De Merwe, has survived an attempted assassination in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, on Thursday, 5 February 2026.

According to Enca, Pretorius,who was implicated in testimony linked to Witness D, came under attack at around 09:25 am.

Reports state three gunmen allegedly opened fire on Pretorius. A recording reviewed by the news outlet captures Pretorius calling for backup immediately after the shooting.

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Authorities are yet to confirm the details of the attack, but the incident has raised concerns over the ongoing fallout from high-profile criminal investigations connected to Witness D.

Investigators are reportedly following leads to identify and apprehend the suspects.

How is Wiandre Pretorius connected to the Commission?

Wiandre Pretorius was implicated by Witness D’s testimony at the Madlanga Commission regarding the killing of a Boksburg man, Emmanuel Mbense, and the subsequent disposal of the body in a dam. Witness D stated that Ekurhuleni police officers, including former deputy Julius Mkhwanazi, were present and allegedly ordered Van Der Merwe and Pretorius to dispose of the body. The case was later handed over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

Provincial Commissioner provides details

Lieutenant General T. Mthombeni provided details of the shooting incident. He said Pretorius was ambushed as he arrived at a gate, when a car sped toward him and the assailants opened fire. Pretorius managed to take cover and was unharmed. Investigators found 16 bullet casings around the vehicle. When asked whether the attack was linked to the Madlanga Commission, Mthombeni referred reporters to the Commission’s spokesperson. He further stated that the investigation into the murder of Marius van der Merwe was at an advanced stage.

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Madlanga Commission spokesperson comments

Madlanga Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed that the commission is aware of the incident. However, he said he could not comment further, as Pretorius has not been identified by the commission as a witness or as being under its observation. Michaels added that measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all involved.

“After the killing of Witness D, the Commission met with relevant law enforcement agencies, under the umbrella of national security and intelligence structures, and we have taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said

He further said Pretorius had been in touch with law enforcement, but that he could not divulge any further information.

Previously, Briefly News reported that newly surfaced CCTV footage reportedly shows Marius van der Merwe's final moments, including interactions with suspected assailants before he was killed. An audio voice note also emerged in the wake of his murder. South Africans have reacted strongly to the footage and voice note, with many calling for justice and improved protection for whistle‑blowers and witnesses linked to high‑profile investigations.

Source: Briefly News