By Inside Politics reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the killing of Marius van der Merwe, widely known as Witness D in the ongoing investigations linked to the Madlanga Commission.
Van der Merwe was shot multiple times in full view of his family outside their Brakpan home on Friday evening.
In a statement, the President described the murder as a direct attack on the rule of law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa.
He said that the death of van der Merwe, who had been a key witness in exposing corruption and criminal networks, represented a grave setback for accountability and transparency.
Ramaphosa stressed that the government would not allow intimidation or violence to silence those who come forward to testify in commissions of inquiry or criminal proceedings.
He noted that Witness D had played a critical role in assisting investigators and that his courage in standing up against wrongdoing should be honoured, not punished.
The President extended his condolences to van der Merwe’s family and friends, acknowledging the pain and trauma they are enduring, and assured them that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to pursue the perpetrators with urgency.
Ramaphosa said that the killing highlighted the need for stronger witness protection measures and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding individuals who risk their lives to uphold justice.
He called on communities to support the police in their investigation and to reject any attempts to normalize violence as a means of silencing truth.
The murder of Witness D is not only a tragedy for his loved ones but also a blow to the nation’s collective efforts to build a society based on accountability and respect for the law, the president said.
Ramaphosa urged the criminal justice system to act swiftly and decisively, saying that justice delayed would only embolden those who believe they can undermine the state with impunity.
He reiterated that the government will continue to strengthen institutions tasked with fighting corruption and organized crime, and that the death of van der Merwe must serve as a rallying point for renewed determination to protect whistleblowers and witnesses.
Ramaphosa said the nation could not allow fear to dictate the future and that the sacrifice of Witness D must inspire South Africans to remain steadfast in defending the values of justice, accountability, and democracy.
According to police, Van der Merwe was gunned down shortly after 20:30 on Friday night as he arrived at his Gauld Street home with his wife.
He was shot multiple times with an AK-47 rifle while attempting to open the gate.
His wife, who was in the car with him, escaped unharmed.
Police confirmed that nothing was taken from the scene, and Van der Merwe’s firearm, cellphone and wallet were found on his body, strongly suggesting a targeted hit.
A massive police manhunt is now under way.
SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola deployed specialists from ballistics, crime intelligence and the serious and violent crime units to Brakpan overnight.
Masemola is expected to brief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga on the investigation and discuss enhanced security for all commission participants.
He has also instructed NATJOINTS co-chair Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili to convene an urgent weekend meeting to review protective measures for witnesses and officials.
The assassination has triggered strong political reactions across Ekurhuleni and the province.
The ANC in the Ekurhuleni Region said it was “outraged” by the murder, describing it as a “direct assault on justice, accountability and the rule of law”.
Regional secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi said the killing came at a time when the EMPD was under “intense scrutiny” and urged police to track down the perpetrators “without delay”.
“The ANC in Ekurhuleni is adamant that no act of intimidation, violence, or criminality will derail the work of the Madlanga Commission or silence those committed to exposing wrongdoing. The fight against corruption must continue without fear, favour or compromise,” Dlabathi said.
The commission itself released a statement expressing “profound sadness” at the murder and acknowledging Van der Merwe’s contribution to exposing serious wrongdoing in the EMPD.
Opposition parties echoed the outrage.
The African Christian Democratic Party in Ekurhuleni said it was “horrified” by the killing and called for immediate, round-the-clock protection for Van der Merwe’s family.
ACDP councillor Palesa Yates said that whistle-blowers and truth-tellers need protection, referencing previous high-profile assassinations, including those of forensic auditor Mpho Mafole and health department whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who exposed wrongdoing and looting withing Gauteng heath department, specifically Thembisa Hospital.
Civil society groups have also weighed in, with the Whistleblower House calling for urgent reform.
Executive director Ben Theron said South Africa had no functional system to protect whistleblowers.
“The lawbreakers in the last few years have been dithering on the Whistleblowers Protection Act. There are no facilities as of right now, where we protect whistleblowers. How do you trust the Police if they are the ones at the moment being corrupt and their infighting?” Theron said.
The killing of Witness D marks one of the most serious escalations yet in the threats facing those testifying before the Madlanga Commission and raises urgent questions about the safety of whistleblowers, the integrity of investigations, and the resilience of South Africa’s fight against corruption.
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