Police have named three persons of interest in the investigation into the killing of Marius van der Merwe, the man who testified as “Witness D” before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Van der Merwe, who appeared before the commission last month, gave detailed evidence about alleged corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department. His testimony included claims that suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi had instructed him to dispose of the body of a suspect killed by metro police officers.
He was shot dead outside his Brakpan home last Friday, reportedly in front of his family, in an attack that has intensified scrutiny on the protection of witnesses involved in sensitive investigations.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola told the media on Monday that one of the three identified individuals has already been taken in for questioning. He said investigators are confident that progress will be made soon and indicated that police are maintaining heightened alertness as the case unfolds.
Masemola added that security measures for those linked to the Madlanga Commission have been strengthened. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, working with the commission, has put in place a coordinated plan aimed at improving protection for officials and witnesses who may be at risk.
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