Marius van der Merwe (41), who was known as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, was reportedly not under witness protection when he was gunned down outside of his Brenthurst home on Friday evening.
He has reportedly been going out for a dinner date with his wife when gunmen with an AK-47 pulled up to his home in Brenthurst, Brakpan, and he was reportedly shot at the gate on Gauld Street. This is according to the police, who arrived at the scene and found his body on the pavement.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the investigation extended beyond Van der Merwe’s testimony to the Madlanga Commission and included illegal mining. Van Der Merwe’s QRF Task Team company’s website showed it was linked to actions against illicit mining.
“The business officially opened its doors in June 2023 and was immediately requested to assist on various coal mines in relation to bulk theft of diesel and coal,” his company’s website said.
Police are on a national manhunt for his killers. President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the “heinous” murder of the witness.
“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,” he said.
“My thoughts are with the deeply traumatised family who came under attack last night. 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.”
In a voice message sent prior to his death, Marius van der Merwe expressed fears for his life and a desire to publicly expose high-level corruption related to illegal mining in South Africa.
“Two weeks ago, Van der Merwe was reported to have informed The Citizen newspaper that two white men in a bakkie tried to ram him off the road in Brakpan.
“A gunfight ensued, close to the demolished Plastic City informal settlement, where Van der Merwe was instrumental in cleaning up the aftermath of a war between illegal miner factions earlier this year,” they wrote.
“Reflecting on the experience, Van der Merwe said he had been followed and that he believed his days were numbered. He said that perhaps going public would safeguard his life and remove the target on his back.”
