Three people have been identified as persons of interest in the murder of Marius van der Merwe. General Fannie Masemola, the National Police Commissioner, said that one person has been brought in for questioning, as police investigations continue. “We are confident that soon we will register a breakthrough as police remain on high alert for those behind the killing of Mr van der Merwe.
Safe to say, investigations are on the right track,” he said. Masemola added that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints), together with the Madlanga Commission, have met and developed a plan to heighten and enhance security around officials and witnesses linked to the commission. Van der Merwe was shot dead outside his Brakpan home last Friday night in what police believe was a targeted hit.
It was the second attempt on his life in two weeks. Shortly after 8pm, as he struggled to open his front gate after returning home with his family, gunfire rang out. His wife and children were not harmed.
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Police later confirmed that nothing had been taken from him. This was not the first time there was an attempt on his life. Two weeks ago, he toldThe Citizenthat a car had followed him and then tried to ram him off the road.
Van der Merwe, a former EMPD officer and later the owner of a private security firm, had recently given explosive testimony before the commission. He implicated suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) official Julius Mkhwanazi in criminal activity, including allegations involving the disposal of a body in 2022.
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