Brakpan, Ekurhuleni – Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, the crucial Witness D who testified before the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry, was shot dead in front of his wife and two children outside his Brakpan home on Friday night, just after 20:00.
The 41-year-old had, only weeks earlier, given explosive testimony (partly in camera) alleging that suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police acting chief Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi ordered him in April 2022 to help dispose of the body of a robbery suspect who had been suffocated during an unauthorised EMPD operation. Van der Merwe told the commission the incident involved EMPD officers, two suspicious SAPS members from Brakpan, and notorious police informer Jaco Hanekom.
Despite the clear danger to his life after publicly exposing senior police officers, Van der Merwe was never placed under no witness-protection programme.
Acting Gauteng Police Commissioner General Fred Kekana confirmed a manhunt is underway for suspects believed to have fled in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie with a canopy. He vowed police would “leave no stone unturned.”
The murder occurred one day after suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and KZN Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi were questioned at the same commission about political interference in policing and the controversial disbanding of the Political Killings Task Team.
Reaction was immediate and furious:
- ActionSA MP Dereleen James described the killing as a “horrific assassination” and warned that South Africa is being turned into a “mafia state” by people with “no regard for human life.”
- The Madlanga Commission issued a statement extending its “deepest condolences” to the family and acknowledging Van der Merwe’s bravery in exposing serious criminality inside the EMPD.
- National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola is meeting Commission chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga today (Saturday) to discuss the fallout.
The brazen execution of a star witness in broad daylight, weeks after testifying against powerful police figures, has severely damaged public trust in the commission’s ability to protect those who come forward. Many now fear the inquiry itself is in jeopardy if witnesses can be silenced with impunity.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe verified the incident and urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.