By Our Reporter
CAPE TOWN (CONVERSEER) – President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the killing of Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, a key witness before the Madlanga Commission, describing the attack as “heinous” and a direct assault on the integrity of South Africa’s justice system.
Van der Merwe, publicly known as Witness D, was shot outside his Brakpan home on December 5.
Investigators believe the attack was a planned hit, noting that nothing was taken from the scene, and preliminary evidence points to the use of an AK-47.
The former EMPD officer had recently given testimony to the Madlanga Commission, where he implicated senior officials in the alleged cover-up of a 2022 death in police custody. Among those named was suspended acting EMPD Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, who has denied the allegations.
In a statement on December 6, Ramaphosa said he was “appalled and saddened” by the murder, and warned that the attack represented an effort to silence truth-tellers. He pledged a renewed push to safeguard whistleblowers and urged law enforcement to pursue the perpetrators without hesitation.
The Democratic Alliance echoed the condemnation, calling the killing “an attack on the foundations of accountability” and citing failures in whistleblower protection systems.
The assassination has heightened anxiety around the safety of witnesses in corruption matters. Analysts warn it may deter others from testifying, particularly within high-stakes inquiries. Van der Merwe’s death also mirrors previous targeted killings, including the murder of chief auditor Mpho Mafole earlier this year, deepening concern over witness vulnerability.
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A multi-agency investigation is underway, involving the Hawks and specialised police units.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola is expected to update the Madlanga Commission on both investigative progress and strengthened protection measures. Civil society organisations, including Corruption Watch, have urged the government to overhaul witness protection frameworks, arguing that chronic under-resourcing has left whistleblowers exposed.
As the search for Van der Merwe’s killers continues, the country faces a larger question whether South Africa can protect those who step forward to expose wrongdoing, and whether truth can prevail in the face of escalating intimidation.
