The murder of commission witness Marius van der Merwe has triggered heightened security measures, with NATJOINTS, the SANDF, the SSA and justice officials convening to strengthen safety protocols. The Madlanga Commission and the NATJOINTS,along with the SANDF and the State Security Agency (SSA), have confirmed that they met on Saturday following the death of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D, and have agreed to strengthen the commission’s security operational plan. along with the SANDF and the State Security Agency (SSA), have confirmed that they met on Saturday following the death of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D, and have agreed to strengthen the commission’s security operational plan.
This was announced in a joint media statement issued on Saturday night. “The NATJOINTS co-chairs, inclusive of SAPS, SANDF (South African National Defence Force) and SSA, today met with officials of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry following the gruesome killing of Mr Marius van der Merwe,” the statement read. “Officials from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development also formed part of this meeting to discuss the safety and security of witnesses and officials.
According to the statement, the meeting was held at the NATJOINTS Operations Centre in Pretoria and resolved to enhance the Commission’s security plan. “While extensive measures have been put in place to secure witnesses and officials since the start of the Commission, the meeting identified a need to heighten these measures by roping in the NATJOINTS and all other relevant role players.”
