Suspect linked to murder of key Madlanga Commission witness due in court

A suspect arrested in connection with the murder of a key witness at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will make his first appearance at the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

Marius van der Merwe, who testified at the commission under the pseudonym, Witness D, was shot outside his home in December.

Police have made a breakthrough in his murder case, with one suspect arrested in Johannesburg on Saturday in connection with his assassination.

Witness D gave chilling testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry about alleged corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

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He alleged that suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi forced him to dispose of a body at a dam in 2022.

Despite testifying partially in-camera, he was brutally killed shortly after his appearance at the commission in full view of his family.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said investigations into his murder are ongoing.

“The vehicle believed to have been used on the day that Witness D was murdered has also been seized. He is expected to make his first appearance before the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Monday, 16 March 2026. General Fannie Masemola has applauded the team for moving with speed in ensuring a breakthrough in this case.”

The arrested suspect is alleged to be the one who pulled the trigger in Witness D’s murder.