-Staff Writer / Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Police have recovered a vehicle believed to have been used in the murder of Marius Van der Merwe, who testified at the Mandlanga Commission as witness D .
The discovery of the vehicle has been described as a breakthrough that could crack open the high-profile murder case.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed the discovery during a briefing with the victim’s family this evening.
“We believe we have found the vehicle used in the murder of Mr Marius Van der Merwe,” General Masemola said. “It is a white Chevrolet bakkie, abandoned in Alexandra township just hours after the killing. Our forensic and vehicle crime units are now conducting a full analysis.”
Van der Merwe was shot multiple times outside his home after video footage showed a white bakkie pulling up behind his car. Police say the vehicle recovered matches the description from that night. Crime scene experts found it abandoned on a gravel dead-end road among shacks.
Three persons of interest have been identified, and investigators say they are closing in on suspects as the case reaches an advanced and sensitive stage.
One person was taken in for questioning.
The murder weapon has not yet been recovered, and authorities are keeping possible motives under wraps pending arrests.
General Masemola also linked the case to two other investigations whick include the 2022 murder of a man in Duduza, whose body was found in a dam, and an attempted murder against Van der Merwe in September 2025, when he was reportedly followed by two white men in a Mahindra bakkie.
“The investigation is progressing steadily, and we remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice,” General Masemola said. He also confirmed that security measures for officials and witnesses involved in the Madlanga Commission are being enhanced following recent meetings with NATJOINTS.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
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