Marius van der Merwe, whistleblower on police misconduct, assassinated outside home

Marius van der Merwe, a Brakpan security firm boss, who delivered serious allegations about the goings-on at the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), was shot and killed outside his home, in front of his wife and children on Friday.

Van der Merwe, who was given the codename "Witness D" when making his submissions to the commission to protect his identity, also detailed in November how he was instructed to dispose of a body of someone who allegedly died after being tortured by police.

The security boss said he complied with the instruction out of fear, and he also implicated deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi, who testified before the commission this past week.

The commission was established in July following allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal's Provincial Commissioner, Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, regarding Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and other senior officials obstructing investigations, including those into politically motivated killings.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has since condemned Van der Merwe's assassination in a statement released on Saturday.

“While our law enforcement agencies establish the circumstances leading to this heinous act, I am appalled and saddened by this attack on a former public servant who recently served the cause of justice and integrity by testifying at the Madlanga Commission,” the President said.

Ramaphosa also promised that the government would step up its efforts to protect whistleblowers and witnesses, given the threats they face from criminal elements.

“As government, we will redouble our efforts to protect whistleblowers, including witnesses before the Madlanga Commission and the Commission itself.” Ramaphosa also expressed condolences to the grieving family.

Van der Merwe had just returned home after 8pm and was opening the entry gate when two men armed with handguns shot at him repeatedly; his family was unharmed.

DAILY NEWS