Madlanga Commission murder reignites scrutiny of witness protection

A key whistle-blower in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, former EMPD officer Marius van der Merwe, was shot dead outside his Brakpan home on Friday night.

He was killed instantly by two AK-47 shots in full view of his wife and children. 

Van der Merwe had testified before the commission in November, admitting to helping dispose of a murder victim after police tortured and killed the man.

His testimony had revealed an ongoing pattern of extrajudicial killings reminiscent of apartheid-era death squads.

Despite earlier warnings that his life was in danger, Van der Merwe declined witness protection, reportedly because he owned a security company and feared losing his income if he entered the programme. 

His murder came on the same day the Commission adjourned for the year, intensifying concern over intimidation of witnesses. 

Chad Thomas, Director at IRS Forensics Investigations, says the assassination highlights the fragility of South Africa’s witness protection system and exposes the deep criminal entanglement among corrupt police, private security networks, and syndicates linked to illicit gold mining. 

"When it comes to testifying at a commission of inquiry and the very day that the commission of inquiry shuts down for the year, the witness who came out with the most shocking details is killed. In our industry, coincidence is very rare. So, it is of grave concern that he's been taken out. It's of grave concern that we're going to have people now far more reluctant to come forward."

To listen to Thomas, click below: