Madlanga Commission Commissioners Advocates Mahlape Sello, Sisi Baloyi and Sandile Khumalo have paid a courtesy visit to the family of Marius van der Merwe — known to the inquiry as Witness D — at their home in Brakpan. Van der Merwe was shot and killed outside his house last Friday night in front of his family.
The commission’s evidence leaders spent more than an hour with the grieving relatives to offer condolences. Flowers placed outside the home remain as a tribute to his memory.
Police say Van der Merwe had declined formal witness protection, despite earlier receiving death threats. Investigators have since identified three people of interest and recovered a suspected getaway vehicle in Alexandra.
Van der Merwe’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission detailed allegations of torture and murder involving senior Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) official Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether his killing is linked to the evidence he presented. There are also reports suggesting the attack may be connected to his involvement in confronting illegal mining activities in the area.
Police investigations are ongoing.
