Johannesburg – A suspect has been arrested in connection with the December murder of Marius van der Merwe, known as “Witness D,” who testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation into alleged corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and related criminal activities.
Van der Merwe, a former EMPD officer and security industry member, was shot and killed outside his Brakpan home on December 5, 2025, just weeks after providing testimony to the commission. His evidence reportedly detailed corruption and a cover-up involving senior EMPD officials. The arrest, made on Saturday, is the first linked to the Madlanga Commission’s investigations, according to authorities.
Brig Athlenda Mathe, a spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), confirmed the arrest, stating that a dedicated task team established by National Police Commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola, on the instruction of President Cyril Ramaphosa, had obtained a warrant and made the arrest in Johannesburg. “The task team established to investigate cases emanating from the Madlanga commission have registered their first breakthrough with the arrest of a suspect believed to be the shooter in the Marius van der Merwe murder case,” Mathe said.
Former SAPS Member Identified as Suspect
The suspect has been identified as a former member of an elite SAPS task force, with investigators believing his marksmanship skills directly linked him to the assassination. This detail suggests a level of planning and expertise in the commission of the crime. Police are currently conducting search and seizure operations at various addresses associated with the suspect, and the vehicle believed to have been used during the murder has been seized, according to Mathe.
The Madlanga Commission welcomed the arrest, acknowledging Van der Merwe’s bravery in uncovering allegations of wrongdoing. “Mr. Van der Merwe appeared before the Commission as ‘Witness D’ on 14 November 2025 and was assassinated on 5 December 2025. His bravery helped to uncover allegations of serious wrongdoing in the City of Ekurhuleni and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD),” said Jeremy Michaels, the commission’s spokesperson. The commission urged law enforcement to ensure justice for all those affected by attempts to resist accountability.
Investigation Continues, Further Arrests Possible
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Gen Masemola has commended the investigators for their swift action in securing the arrest. However, authorities indicate that the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests are anticipated as they continue to unravel the network of alleged corruption and criminal activity linked to the Madlanga Commission’s findings.
The Madlanga Commission was established to investigate allegations of corruption, fraud, and mismanagement within the City of Ekurhuleni. Witness D’s testimony was considered crucial in exposing potential criminal conduct, making his murder a significant concern for the commission and prompting the presidential directive for a dedicated investigative task team.
The SAPS has not released the suspect’s name or further details about the ongoing investigation, citing the need to protect the integrity of the process. However, officials have assured the public that they are committed to bringing all those responsible for Van der Merwe’s murder to justice.
The case highlights the risks faced by witnesses who come forward with information about corruption and organized crime. It also underscores the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that those who attempt to obstruct justice are held accountable.
As the investigation progresses, the focus will likely shift to identifying any co-conspirators and uncovering the full extent of the alleged corruption within the EMPD. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of law enforcement and governance in the Ekurhuleni region.
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