GAUTENG – The Madlanga Commission witness shot dead outside his home in Brakpan on Friday evening has been confirmed as Marius van der Merwe, affectionately known as Vlam.
Until now he was known only as Witness D at the Commission, where his face was concealed and only his voice was heard.
According to the preliminary investigation, Van der Merwe arrived home shortly after 20:30 with his wife.
“As he was about to open the gate, he was shot multiple times in the upper body. He died at the scene.
“His wife, who was in the vehicle, was not harmed. Police stressed that nothing was taken from Van der Merwe. His firearm, mobile phone, and wallet were still on him, indicating the murder was not a robbery,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
Specialised SAPS units, including ballistics experts, crime scene investigators, crime intelligence, and members of the serious and violent crime unit, worked through the night at the scene.
Mathe confirmed that evidence collected shows an AK-47 automatic rifle was used during the attack.
A murder case has been registered, and police are searching for the suspected hit orderer, the gunmen, and the AK-47 used in the shooting.
Explosive testimony about police torture
Van der Merwe’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission included explosive allegations.
He said that on 15 April 2022 members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police, SAPS, and private security allegedly tortured a suspected robber, who later died from his injuries.
According to Van der Merwe, he was then instructed by controversial EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi to dispose of the man’s body in a dam.
He testified that he did so out of fear, but later reported the matter to police.
Authorities have not confirmed whether his murder is linked to his evidence before the Commission.
Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, is expected to meet Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to brief him on the progress of the investigation.
The meeting will also address the strengthening of safety and security measures for all role players at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Ramaphosa vows to protect whistleblowers
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the killing in the strongest terms, describing it as a “heinous act”.
The President extended his condolences to Van der Merwe’s family, friends, and colleagues, saying they were now left to recover from this deadly trauma.
“While our law enforcement agencies establish the circumstances leading to this heinous act, I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a former public servant who recently served the cause of justice and integrity by testifying at the Madlanga Commission,” the President said.
Ramaphosa, who established the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System in July 2025, said the attack appeared to be a direct attempt to intimidate those seeking to expose wrongdoing.
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“My thoughts are with the deeply traumatised family who came under attack last night,” he said.
“They faced death in circumstances that suggest Van der Merwe’s brave testimony angered elements in our society who want to undermine the rule of law and set back the quest for truth and consequences in the fight against corruption.”
He added that the government would “redouble efforts to protect whistleblowers, including witnesses before the Madlanga Commission and the Commission itself, as they serve the nation with bravery in the face of criminal threats”.
Ramaphosa urged law enforcement officers to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
