Witness D recounts murder cover-up linked to Mkhwanazi’s EMPD unit

By Johnathan Paoli

The Madlanga Commission’s inquiry into alleged criminality within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) reached a dramatic and deeply troubling turning point on Friday afternoon when a protected witness identified as Witness D delivered harrowing testimony describing the torture, murder, and cover-up of a robbery suspect, as well as a sprawling extortion scheme allegedly linked to officers reporting to suspended EMPD chief Julius Mkhwanazi.

The commission resumed its EMPD-focused stream with evidence leader Mahlape Sello announcing that Witness D’s identity and face would be concealed due to the gravity of the allegations and the danger he could face for speaking out.

According to Sello, the testimony relates to one of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) cases referenced earlier by former EMPD officer Marius Spies.

What unfolded over the next hours cast one of the darkest shadows yet over the conduct of officers tied to Mkhwanazi.

Witness