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Police have launched a manhunt for hit orderer, hitmen and AK47 used following the assassination of key witness in Madlanga Commission.
Marius van der Merwe, a former EMPD officer, confirmed as Witness D, after giving testimony against high-ranking EMPD officials at the Madlanga Commission was gunned down in Brakpan on Friday night.
According to a preliminary investigation, Witness D arrived at his home just after 20:30 with his wife and as he was about to open the gate, he was shot and sustained wounds to his upper body.
He was certified dead at the scene, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed.
“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.
“A case of murder has been registered and police have launched a manhunt for the hit orderer and the hitmen who shot and killed Witness D. Police are also looking for the murder weapon.Â
“Various units of SAPS, including ballistics and crime scene experts, crime intelligence officers, and members of the serious and violent crime unit, meticulously examined the crime scene outside Witness D’s home for material evidence until the early hours of the morning.
“We can thus confirm that evidence gathered at the scene, confirm an AK47 automatic rifle was used in the commission of the crime,” she remarked.Â
Brig. Mathe revealed that the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola will meet and brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on investigations into the murder of Witness D.Â
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She added; “General Masemola will utilise the opportunity to also discuss efforts to improve and enhance safety and security measures for all role-players at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.Â
“General Masemola has instructed Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Co-chair of NATJOINTS, to urgently organize a meeting over the weekend. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and explore methods to enhance the safety and security of commission officials and witnesses.”
The Commission has acknowledged van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).
Reactions on Assassination
President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the family, stating that hey faced death in circumstances that suggest Van der Merwe’s brave testimony angered elements in our society who want to undermine the rule of law.
“While our law enforcement agencies establish the circumstances leading to this heinous act, I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a former public servant who recently served the cause of justice and integrity by testifying at the Madlanga Commission,” said President Ramaphosa.
Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, the ANC National Spokesperson said van der Merwe’s death is a serious setback to ongoing efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system.
“We condemn this crime and calls for strengthened protection of all witnesses participating in the Commission and related investigations. We further call for a swift and thorough investigation and for the arrest of those responsible,” she expressed.
Bhengu-Motsiri stated that they remain committed to supporting the work of the Commission and all processes aimed at addressing criminality and corruption within the criminal justice system.
The DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach said van der Merwe’s murder is an attack on the very foundations of accountability and justice in South Africa.
“It is a direct attack on the rule of law, designed to intimidate and frustrate the fightback against the endemic corruption gripping South Africa.
“This kind of mafia-state behaviour, where whistleblowers are gunned down for telling the truth, is something our country has never before experienced at this scale. It is terrifying, it is brazen, and it is clearly intended to send a message of pure intimidation.
“This assassination underscores, once again, the urgency of strengthening whistleblower protection in South Africa.”
uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) expressed its outrage at the incident and further took a swipe at the Government of National Unity (GNU)’s shortcomings.
“This act of further brutality should be seen as a national emergency and a devastating indictment of
the so-called GNU persistent and catastrophic failure to safeguard witnesses, whistleblowers and all individuals who come forward in defense of the truth and justice.
“This assassination is a damning indictment of the government’s persistent failure to protect
witnesses and whistleblowers.
“The murder of the late Babita Deokaran should have been an unmistakable warning that the government’s negligence places the lives of whistleblowers in grave danger.
“Yet, last night, we witnessed again how the so-called GNU has learnt nothing and done nothing.
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“The so-called GNU, consolidated by the ANC, DA, IFP, PA, GOOD, PAC, FFPlus, UDM, RISE and Aljama-ah’s failure to safeguard individuals that appear before the Madlanga Commission and the AdHoc Parliamentary Committee is a clear betrayal of justice,” the party stated.
ActionSA member of parliament, Dereleen James said while the full details are still being established, they believe that the protection of whistleblowers and witnesses can no longer be a matter that government and law enforcement continue to kick down the road.
“This tragic development reinforces the urgent need for both Parliament’s Ad-Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission to ensure that individuals whose roles, testimony or exposure place them at heightened risk are provided with appropriate and adequate protection, with due consideration for the seriousness of the matters under investigation,” she added.