Suspect arrested in high-profile Van Der Merwe murder case

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The Task Team investigating cases from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry arrested a suspect believed to be the shooter in the murder of Marius Van Der Merwe (Witness D).

Van der Merwe, designated as ‘Witness D’, testified before the Commission on 14 November. Tragically, he was assassinated on 5 December 2025.

The former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department officer, who is also a security company owner, provided significant testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he disclosed serious accusations regarding corruption and police cover-up activities.

Van der Merwe testified to the commission that Julius Mkhwanazi, the suspended acting chief of the EMPD, purportedly directed him to dispose of the body of a suspect who passed away following alleged torture during an interrogation conducted by law enforcement officials.

According to the police, after obtaining substantial evidence, the team secured a J50 warrant of arrest this week, leading to their initial arrest on Saturday, March 14.

“The team formed by General Fannie Masemola, following the President’s directive, commenced investigations shortly after their appointment.

“The suspect, believed to be the one who allegedly shot and killed Marius Van Der Merwe, was arrested in Johannesburg.

“The team is still on the ground, where they are busy with a search and seizure operation at various identified addresses of the suspect.

“The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Witness D was murdered has also been seized,” national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.

The suspect is expected to make his first appearance before the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Monday.

Van Der Merwe’s bravery

The Madlanga Commission, a judicial commission of inquiry addressing issues of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system, has expressed approval regarding the recent arrests made.

“His bravery helped to uncover allegations of serious wrongdoing in the City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

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“The Commission urges the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for the families of all those affected by people who are attempting to resist accountability for their alleged acts of criminality,” spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said.