Social media reacts to Marius 'Vlam' van der Merwe's death and SA's justice system's failures was a common gripe
Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe was gunned down in Brakpan on Friday. He was revealed as Witness D who testified at the Madlanga Commission
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South Africa's justice system has been criticised by a number of people on the TikTok after the wife of slain Madlanga Commission witness Marius “Vlam” van der Merwe, who was known as Witness D, posted a video on the social media platform, showing him enjoying a fun outing with his family.
Van de Merwe's wife, Leanne, posted the video with the caption "How do I say goodbye? How do I carry on never seeing you again? I love you forever babe, always".
In one clip, he is seen holding his son as they smile and touch a cow.
Other scenes show him playing with his son at a playground, while another shows them alongside a road with their dog.
Many people in the comment section expressed their displeasure at how the country's justice system let Van de Merwe down.
One user wrote "This is sad and may he RIP. It shows government is failing to protect good citizens and Julius Mkhwanazi happy where he's and what next he'll escape with murder"
Another said: "Mchunu, Sibiya, Julius Mkhwanazi kids will never find peace after they unalive this man, justice system can fail him but God will answer"
Some users were advocating for a national shutdown saying "citizens have to rise and do something."
A user name Impact, wrote "The Government, Justice system, police, especially ANC have failed. We as citizens have to rise and say or do something NOW!!! Yes SHUTDOWN I'M IN."
Van der Merwe, 41, a former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officer, was shot dead in front of his family shortly after 8pm.
Police said the attackers were travelling in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie with a canopy, and confirmed that an AK-47 automatic rifle was used.
A manhunt is under way.
Van der Merwe had recently testified before the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating alleged corruption, the protection of criminal networks and political interference in the justice system.
DAILY NEWS