A suspect believed to be a hitman in the murder of Marius van der Merwe, known as “Witness D” at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, was arrested in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The suspect was apprehended by a task team established to investigate cases arising from the commission.
Van der Merwe was assassinated outside his home in Brakpan in December last year, in front of his family, after testifying at the commission about alleged corruption, torture and illegal mining involving police officials.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola had applauded the team “for moving with speed in ensuring a breakthrough in this case”.
The task team was established by Masemola on the instruction of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Mathe said the team took over the investigation shortly after being appointed.
“After obtaining overwhelming evidence, the team secured a J50 warrant of arrest this week and made their first arrest on Saturday, 14 March 2026,” she said.
The vehicle allegedly used on the day Witness D was murdered has also been seized.
The suspect is expected to make his first appearance before the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 March 2026.
“The team remains on the ground and is conducting search and seizure operations at various identified addresses linked to the suspect,” Mathe added.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned Van der Merwe’s murder, describing it as “heinous and unacceptable”.
He further characterised the attack as an attempt to undermine the rule of law and vowed that whistle-blowers would be protected.
