Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, chair of the judicial commission of inquiry into criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen The Madlanga Commission has been thrown into disarray, with several witnesses expressing their intention to withdraw from testifying after the murder of Marius van der Merwe on Friday evening. Van der Merwe, who appeared at the Commission last month as Witness D, was shot in an apparent hit outside his Brakpan, Gauteng, home.
The shooting occurred just after 8pm, when at least two men reportedly approached Van der Merwe and his family when they had just arrived home. They opened fire, shooting him in the head and leg, and then fled the scene, leaving his wife and children unharmed. Police confirmed that an AK-47 automatic rifle was used in the shooting.
It is understood that no official protection was offered to Van der Merwe after his testimony, and that he believed his days were numbered after surviving an apparent hit two weeks ago. The justice ministry denied this, saying Van der Merwe was offered but declined protection. The Citizenhas learnt that witnesses who have yet to testify have also not been given protection and now fear for their lives.
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Some of the witnesses have, sources say, already received threats. One witness claimed their home had been broken into recently, just days after they found their alarm system had been tampered with. The witness has also apparently been followed and has hired private security to protect themselves and their family.
Another said they had incriminating evidence that they wanted to present to the commission, but feared they would be next on the hit list. The Commission has not responded toThe Citizen‘s request for comment on witness safety, and concerns that they may withdraw from proceedings. Any update will be included once received.
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