US EditionPolice Identify ‘Persons of Interest’ in Madlanga Witness Marius Van Der Merwe’s Murder
Marius van der Merwe was killed days after testifying on alleged police corruption involving deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi; investigators consider retaliation among possible motives.
- On Friday, Madlanga Commission whistleblower Marius van der Merwe was shot dead outside his Brakpan home on the East Rand, with family members witnessing the attack.
- The Madlanga testimony showed Witness D accused suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi of ordering officers to clean a scene and dump a body, which Mkhwanazi denies.
- Investigators say the attack involved assailants firing an AK-47 as Van der Merwe opened his gate, using two vehicles: a sedan and a white Chevrolet bakkie recovered for forensic examination.
- Following the killing, Fannie Masemola, National Police Commissioner, visited Van der Merwe’s family on Monday night and said authorities have heightened security for witnesses and expect a breakthrough soon.
- Van der Merwe had declined the witness protection programme and survived a failed attempt two weeks earlier; his death is viewed as an assassination linked to zama zamas and police corruption, Ipid's probe is advanced and the Madlanga Commission has adjourned until next year.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Police identify three ‘persons of interest’ in killing of whistleblower Marius van der Merwe
Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola visited the home of slain whistleblower Marius van der Merwe on Monday. Meanwhile, Ipid has confirmed its investigation into claims Van der Merwe made at the Madlanga Commission is ongoing.
South Africa: Mkhwanazi Claims He Had Nothing to Do With Whistleblower's Murder
Marius van der Merwe, who appeared as Witness D at the Madlanga Commission, was shot dead outside his Brakpan home on Friday night after testifying against Mkhwanazi. Van der Merwe told the commission that Mkhwanazi helped cover up the torture and death of a robbery suspect and told him to dump the body.
Madlanga Commission's 'Witness D': 'I only have a few days left'
Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, also known as “Witness D” in the Madlanga Commission, shared his concerns about a hit on his life after his whistleblower testimony last month. The former Ekhuruleni Metro Police officer, who later opened his own private security company, was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home on Friday, 5 December. His death is believed to have been an assassination after he divulged information about alleged police corruption…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
