Witness in Madlanga Commission Shot Dead in Suspected Hit in Brakpan
A key witness who testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has been shot dead in Brakpan, Gauteng, in what appears to be a targeted killing. The incident occurred on Friday evening shortly after 8pm as the witness, identified as Marius van der Merwe, arrived home with his family.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, senior police officials were en route to the crime scene on Friday night. “He has already testified,” she confirmed, adding that investigations were underway.
Also Read: Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi Makes Shocking Claims Against Cat Matlala At Madlanga Commission
Gunmen Ambush Family
Van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, was ambushed at the gate of his property by at least two armed men. The shooters opened fire, fatally wounding him, before fleeing on foot. His wife and children, who were with him at the time, were not harmed.
The commission expressed shock at the killing, offering condolences to the family and acknowledging Van der Merwe’s role in exposing alleged corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and the municipality.
Witness Had Recently Survived Earlier Murder Attempt
According to The Citizen, Friday’s shooting marks the second attempt on Van der Merwe’s life in just two weeks.
Earlier this month, he survived a dramatic confrontation in which two men in a white bakkie allegedly tried to ram him off the road in Brakpan. A gunfight reportedly followed near the demolished Plastic City informal settlement — an area where Van der Merwe had previously played a key role in restoring order after violent clashes between illegal mining groups.
In an interview following the earlier incident, Van der Merwe said he believed he was being followed and feared his “days were numbered”. He hoped that going public about the threats might help protect him.
Testimony Implicated Suspended EMPD Official
Van der Merwe had testified before the Madlanga Commission on allegations of criminal activity, where he implicated suspended EMPD senior officer Julius Mkhwanazi in unlawful conduct.
This week, Mkhwanazi appeared before the commission to respond to allegations that he received bribes from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, linked to the controversial blue lights installation saga. While denying the payments were bribes, he confirmed receiving financial assistance from Matlala, describing him as “like a brother”.
Commission Probes Widening Rot in Police Structures
The killing comes as the Madlanga Commission continues to hear explosive testimony on alleged corruption, interference, and criminal collusion within policing and municipal structures in Ekurhuleni.
The commission said Van der Merwe’s contributions were critical to exposing “serious allegations of criminality and corruption”, and urged authorities to ensure the safety of other witnesses.