Breaking: Witness D from Madlanga Commission allegedly killed in Brakpan

Police can confirm that a man identified in court records as Marius van der Merwe — believed to be “Witness D,” who recently gave critical testimony before the Madlanga Commission — has reportedly been shot dead in Brakpan. The killing is being treated as an active crime scene.

Who was “Witness D” / Marius van der Merwe

• Marius van der Merwe was the owner of QRF Task Team, a security team in Johannesburg, Gauteng

• According to multiple news reports, “Witness D” testified at the Madlanga Commission that former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) acting deputy-chief Julius Mkhwanazi had ordered him to dispose of a suspect’s body — allegedly murdered during an operation — by dumping it in a dam or mineshaft.

• The suspect was allegedly tortured (suffocated using a “tubing” method) by a group of police officers, then killed. Witness D claimed that Mkhwanazi arrived later, took command of the clean-up, and instructed the disposal of the corpse.

• The alleged victim was loaded onto Witness D’s bakkie (a small truck), then dumped into a dam in Nigel. Witness D reportedly complied under threat, fearing for his own life.

Thus, the testimony of Witness D became a pivotal element in the Commission’s ongoing probe into alleged brutality, corruption and cover-ups within the EMPD.

The Murder: What we know so far

• Police responded to reports of a shooting in Brakpan (specifically the Brenthurst area) late on Friday night.

• At the time of writing, authorities confirmed that they were “en route” to the scene and that the area remains an active crime scene. Identity of the victim had not been independently confirmed — but media sources indicate they believe the deceased to be Witness D.

• No official statement yet linking the shooting to his appearance at the Commission has been released — but given the sensitive nature of his testimony (accusations against a high-ranking police official), concerns over motive and witness intimidation are already being raised.

 Context: Why this matters

• The testimony from Witness D aligns with earlier testimony by a former EMPD official, Revo Spies, who also implicated Mkhwanazi in a 2022 Brakpan killing that led to a body being dumped in a dam.

• The broader case before the Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of systemic corruption, brutality, unofficial “hit squads,” and possible collusion between private security firms and police. Experts previously warned that fear of retaliation — including lethal violence — was already undermining witness confidence in giving testimony to the Commission.

  

Now, the reported killing of a key witness dramatically underscores the palpable danger faced by those brave enough to speak out.

 What to watch next

• Statements from the Commission — whether proceedings will be paused, and whether any additional protective measures for other witnesses will be implemented.

• Reactions from civil-society groups, media, and possibly international bodies concerned with human rights, policing standards and justice in South Africa.

• Whether this shooting will prompt a deeper investigation into retaliation, or even a review of how the Commission safeguards witnesses.

 What it means for justice and public trust

The shooting of a person who testified — under oath — implicating law-enforcement officers strikes at the heart of public confidence. If justice institutions cannot guarantee the safety of their whistleblowers, accountability risks being hollow.

The death of Witness D — reportedly Marius van der Merwe — may well become a turning point. It must push investigators, oversight bodies, and the Commission to double down on protection protocols, and to treat the killing not just as another crime, but as a critical failure in safeguarding the rule of law.