The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has welcomed the arrest of a suspect in the killing of former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer Marius van der Merwe, who testified before the commission under the pseudonym “Witness D”.
Van der Merwe was shot dead in front of his family in December last year, shortly after giving evidence to the commission in Pretoria. During his testimony, he made allegations of corruption and a cover-up linked to a killing said to involve senior EMPD officials.
Authorities arrested a suspect believed to be connected to the assassination, marking a breakthrough in the investigation. The accused is expected to make a court appearance at the Brakpan Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said Van der Merwe had played a crucial role in exposing alleged wrongdoing within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department and the City of Ekurhuleni.
“Mr Van der Merwe appeared before the Commission as ‘Witness D’ on 14 November 2025 and was assassinated on 5 December 2025,” Michaels said. “His bravery helped uncover allegations of serious wrongdoing in the City of Ekurhuleni and the EMPD.”
Michaels added that the commission is urging law enforcement authorities to ensure justice for families affected by individuals allegedly attempting to evade accountability for criminal activity.
Van der Merwe’s killing raised widespread concern about the safety of whistle-blowers who testify before investigative commissions. Authorities have indicated that investigations are continuing and that further arrests could follow.