Staff Writer | Fri, 5 Dec 2025
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers/IOL Graphics
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System has confirmed the shocking murder of one of its witnesses, Marius van der Merwe.
In a brief statement issued on Friday, Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the Commission had received the news of Van der Merwe’s killing with “profound sadness,” describing the incident as a brutal and devastating loss.
Van der Merwe had played a central role in exposing alleged criminality and corruption within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). His testimony had formed part of the Commission’s ongoing probe into organised crime networks and political interference in law-enforcement structures.
“The Commission would like to acknowledge Mr van der Merwe’s contribution towards uncovering serious allegations of criminality and corruption,” Michaels said.
He added that the Commission extends its “deepest condolences” to the Van der Merwe family and confirmed that further comment will be provided in due course as more information becomes available.
The circumstances surrounding the killing have not yet been detailed, and authorities are expected to provide updates as investigations progress.
News Junction previously reported that police said that the man was killed in Gauld Street, Brendhurst, Brakpan, on Friday.
van der Merwe, whose identity had been concealed for safety reasons, provided one of the most unsettling accounts heard by the Commission this year. His testimony part of which was delivered in camera detailed an alleged network of high-ranking EMPD officials and private security firms involved in criminal operations, cover-ups, and the abuse of police resources.
What van der Merwe told the Madlanga Commission
During his appearance in November, Witness D made several shocking claims, including:
Alleged murder cover-up: He testified that after a suspect was shot and killed during a 2022 operation in Brakpan, EMPD Brigadier Julius Mkhwanazi arrived at the scene and instructed him to dispose of the body allegedly suggesting a mineshaft or a dam as options.
Fear and compliance: Witness van der Merwe said he complied out of fear for his life, believing that disobeying orders could make him “the next victim.” He loaded the body onto his bakkie and, with other officers, dumped it in a dam in Nigel.
Destruction of evidence: He claimed he burned his clothes the following day to eliminate any evidence linking him to the corpse. He further alleged another officer, Vianre Pretorius, proposed contacting a Crime Intelligence boss “to fix” the situation.
Staged truck hijackings: He described what he called an “entire industry” of fake truck hijackings orchestrated by EMPD units to extort recovery fees. According to his testimony, private security companies were given official-looking “appointment letters” allegedly signed by Mkhwanazi to operate as illicit recovery agents.
Use of EMPD vehicles by civilians: van der Merwe claimed that private citizens were driving EMPD-branded vehicles fitted with blue lights, using authority letters supposedly issued by Mkhwanazi to carry out illegal operations.
Ignored reports to authorities: He said he reported the murder cover-up to both the Hawks and IPID, but alleged that no action was taken for a prolonged period. He described those involved as a “very dangerous group,” expressing deep fear for his safety.
His assassination is expected to raise urgent questions about witness protection, the safety of whistle-blowers, and the potential reach of the criminal networks he described.
News Junction (Gold Standard)