By Marcus Moloko
Marius van der Merwe, also known as Witness D, testified at the Madlanga Commission and detailed allegations of a murder cover-up implicating suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief, Julius Mkhwanazi.
His words now carry even greater weight, as his murder underscores the dangers faced by whistleblowers in South Africa.
Witness D, later identified as Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, appeared before the Madlanga Commission in November.
His testimony was considered one of the most explosive sessions of the inquiry, which was established to probe political violence and alleged police misconduct.
Weeks later, on 5 December 2025, he was ambushed outside his home in Brakpan and shot dead with an AK-47 in what police described as a targeted hit.
Here’s what van der Merwe told the Madlanga Commission:
Van der Merwe alleged that the 2022 killing of a robbery suspect in Brakpan was deliberately concealed.
He
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