Marius van der Merwe has been murdered, and a witness known as D from the Madlanga Commission has also been shot and killed in Brakpan, according to the police.
"Marius van der Merwe, a key witness in the Madlanga Commission, was found dead in Brakpan. Police are treating it as a possible assassination. Learn
Police have confirmed that a man referred to in court documents as Marius van der Merwe — thought to be "Witness D," who recently provided significant evidence to the Madlanga Commission — has allegedly been shot dead in Brakpan. This incident is currently being treated as an active crime scene.
Who was "Witness D" / Marius van der Merwe
Marius van der Merwe owned a security firm known as QRF Task Team, which operated in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Various news outlets report that "Witness D" stated during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission that Julius Mkhwanazi, the acting deputy chief of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), commanded him to dispose of a suspect’s body — who was reportedly murdered during an operation — by either throwing it into a dam or a mineshaft.
It is claimed that the suspect was tortured (suffocated using a "tubing" method) by several police officers before being killed. Witness D asserted that Mkhwanazi appeared afterward, took charge of the situation, and gave instructions for the body’s disposal.
According to Witness D, the victim was put into his bakkie (a small truck) and then discarded into a dam located in Nigel. Reports suggest that Witness D complied due to threats made against him, as he feared for his life.
Consequently, Witness D's testimony has become a crucial component in the Commission’s investigation into alleged brutality, corruption, and cover-ups within the EMPD.
The Murder: What we know so far
Police have responded to reports of a shooting incident in Brakpan, specifically in the Brenthurst area, late Friday night.
As of this moment, authorities have affirmed they are "en route" to the site, which remains active as a crime scene. The identity of the victim has not been confirmed independently — however, media reports suggest they believe the deceased to be Witness D.
An official statement has yet to be released that connects the shooting to his testimony at the Commission — but due to the sensitive nature of his allegations (targeting a senior police officer), concerns about motives and the risk of witness intimidation are already emerging.
Context: Why this matters
Witness D's testimony is consistent with earlier statements made by a former EMPD officer, Revo Spies, who also accused Mkhwanazi in relation to a 2022 killing in Brakpan where a body was disposed of in a dam.
The ongoing case before the Madlanga Commission is examining claims of widespread corruption, brutality, unofficial “hit squads,” and potential collusion between police and private security firms. Experts have raised alarms about the fear of reprisals — including fatal violence — that could undermine witness willingness to testify before the Commission.
Marius van der Merwe
Marius van der Merwe
Now, the reported assassination of a crucial witness sharply highlights the serious risks faced by individuals courageous enough to come forward.
What to watch next
Responses from the Commission — including whether the proceedings will be suspended, and if additional protective measures for other witnesses will be adopted.
Reactions from civil-society organizations, media, and possibly international entities concerned with human rights, policing practices, and justice in South Africa.
